Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 10 July 2024

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Compliance with the Nitrates Directive and Implications for Ireland: Discussion (Resumed)

5:30 pm

Photo of Tim LombardTim Lombard (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is positive that the information is coming within six weeks of the whole thing. There is an opportunity here, however, which the witnesses can take or leave. The EPA might be able to help farmers more regarding the information itself. If we had a scenario where we had a test in a river body that was inappropriate and the farmers knew about it in a week or less, they would be able to react to what their neighbour might be doing. They might be able to empower themselves to get more done on the ground. They could make sure everyone is doing what is appropriate because they are all in this together.

If information is coming back six to eight weeks later, it is questionable whether there would be a response to it. If the farmers knew there was a water quality issue within a short space of time, they might respond and self-police themselves. This is only a suggestion for ensuring farmers get the information at a faster rate so they can empower themselves to make the changes that are appropriate.