Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022
198. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is proposed to have in place a State-wide local authority agricultural inspection programme in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15755/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities currently inspect farms under the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters regulations and for compliance with other environmental codes. The Environmental Protection Agency reports periodically on the work local authorities carry out in its Focus on Local Authority Environmental Enforcement Activity Report, most recently in 2021.
On the 11 March 2022, I signed the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022 implementing Ireland’s Fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP). The aim of the new programme is to prevent pollution of surface waters and groundwater from agricultural sources, and protect and improve water quality. The development of the measures in the new Programme was informed by a review of the Fourth NAP along with three public consultation periods. Both the review and responses received during the consultation periods highlighted the need for improved compliance with the regulations, and a strengthened enforcement programme.
To address this the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine will increase the rate of inspection of farms with a derogation from 5% to 10% of farms per annum. In addition, my Department is working with local authorities and EPA to develop a strengthened risk-based local authority-led National Agricultural Inspection Programme. The new National Agricultural Inspection Programme will be detailed in the forthcoming third-cycle River Basin Management Plan, due to be finalised later in 2022.
I have also requested that my officials work with local authorities to put in place enhanced interim measures for the remainder of 2022. These discussions are ongoing, and I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement in the coming weeks.
