Environment
Irish farms are required to comply with strict water quality regulations, but what tools are available to help farmers prevent pollution?
Rural Life
Drinking water quality in private supplies continues to fall short of the standards achieved by public supplies delivered by Uisce Éireann.
Local authorities must sustain the increased level of farm inspections and strengthen enforcement of non-compliance, the EPA said.
A major farm inspection campaign is about to get underway in Laois, with the county council set to inspect 100 farms in August.
A new report from the EPA has found that security in land leases encourages better farming practices, including water quality management.
N.Ireland
It is envisaged that Northern Ireland will have a new Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) in place for the beginning of 2027.
Tillage
Teagasc has highlighted five practical steps that Irish farmers can take over the coming weeks to maintain and improve water quality.
Pesticide failures were detected in 24 drinking water supplies across Ireland in 2025. That's...
Northern Ireland’s new Nutrients’ Action Programme (NAP) proposals can deliver sustainable growth opportunities at farm level.
The UFU said funding to improve water quality in Lough Neagh needs to deliver "practical, properly funded support" for farmers on the ground.
The next Water Action Plan must be a delivery plan, not simply a continuation of existing activity, the EPA has said.
Dairy
Macra has called for higher funding to be put into TAMS to deliver reductions in nitrates levels in water.
Schemes
Over 1,800 farmers are currently awaiting a payment under the Farming for Water EIP.
Over a hundred farmers were advised to ‘know your number’ and ‘lower your number’ when it comes to nitrogen levels on their farm.
MEP Ciaran Mullooly has said that the latest report on water quality "shows targeted action is needed to protect Ireland’s nitrates derogation".
Ireland's next Water Action Plan is an 'opportunity we will have to turn the tide on water quality'
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said the agriculture sector continues to set higher targets when it comes to water quality.
An Taisce has called for the implementation of "evidence-based" measures to improve water quality in the country.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) called for "faster action" on water quality as indicators show "little overall improvement in 2025"
Silage Effluent
Teagasc is advising farmers that they must collect and safely store all effluent produced to prevent severe water contamination.
Slurry
Farmers having to spread slurry in heavy rain "just because of the date" is not helping Ireland's water quality, a TD has warned in the Dáil.
Teagasc will host an open day next month at Johnstown Castle focused on protecting soil health and improving water quality on farms.
NI Water invited farmers within the Seagahan catchment in Armagh to join a fully funded scheme for protecting and improving water quality.
