The Blackwater river catchment is to be included in the expansion of the award-winning ‘Farming for Water: River Slaney Project’, as well as across the catchments of the Nore, Barrow, Boyne and Suir rivers.
Part of Tirlán’s on-going commitment to support Co-op members improve on-farm economic and environmental performance and on-farm actions taking place as part of Teagasc’s collaborative Better Farming for Water Campaign, Tirlán Co-op chairperson John Murphy, made the announcement.
Mr Murphy said the move is timely, given that nitrates derogation discussions with the European Commission are expected to begin in 2028.
“Planning for the next derogation starts now. This was my clear message in December when I spoke with senior European Commission officials and members of the European Parliament in Brussels.
“Our Co-op’s decision to establish the collaborative and European award-winning Farming for Water: River Slaney Project with partners including Teagasc, LAWPRO and ifac has now provided a science-based blueprint for national water quality improvement.
“The engagement by our Co-op members to date has been very constructive and positive. I know this will continue into 2026, as we all seek to address water quality challenges in our local communities and give ourselves every chance of the continuation of the derogation, post 2028.”
Co-op members are now encouraged to review their EIP applications and ensure measures applied for are implemented on-farm. This can be done with the support of Tirlán’s Agri-Sustainability Team.
Seán Molloy concluded by acknowledging the considerable work by Government, Members of the European Parliament, Teagasc, farm organisations, ICOS, DII, LAWPRO and most importantly Co-op Members in securing the nitrates derogation. However, he called on the Government to work to pragmatically satisfy the Habitats Directive requirement without delay to ensure Co-op members remain in derogation post 2028 and that full TAMS funding is available for additional on-farm nutrient storage requirements.
