Derek McDowell
Ceist:50 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to reduce phosphates in detergents and fertilisers. [16295/97]
Vol. 481 No. 4
50 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to reduce phosphates in detergents and fertilisers. [16295/97]
A comprehensive strategy is in place to address the contribution of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, to eutrophication problems in rivers and lakes.
In the case of agriculture, nutrients such as phosphorus are essential to crop and animal production and are obtained from various sources including animal manures and chemical fertilisers. Nutrient management planning is a key management tool for farmers with the objective of achieving the correct balance between crop nutrient requirements, fertiliser application rates and the prevention of water pollution. Statutory powers are available to local authorities to require the preparation of such plans where appropriate.
My Department was instrumental in having a review undertaken of recommended phosphorus fertiliser application rates leading to the adoption by Teagasc of revised lower rates for grassland. These are now being taken into account in the preparation of nutrient management plans, including plans prepared under the rural environment protection scheme administered by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
In promoting nutrient management, emphasis is being placed on the potential significant cost savings available to many farmers, as well as the environmental benefits as a consequence of a more responsible and planned approach to the use of fertilisers. Teagasc has estimated that annual purchases of phosphorous chemical fertilisers could be reduced by £25 million without affecting production.
Farmers can also reduce phosphorus inputs to waters from the landspreading of animal manures by adhering to the precautionary measures, including recommendations about the timing and rate of spreading contained in the code of good agricultural practice to protect water from pollution jointly produced by my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food.