Opinion: Elevated nitrogen levels in Irish water is an unintended consequence of agricultural expansion and action must be taken to address this
Irish water quality has declined over the decades. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the percentage of rivers achieving satisfactory status has fallen from 61% in the period from 1987 to 1990 to just 55% from 2020 to 2023.
This downward trend underscores the clear and undeniable link between nitrogen pollution and agricultural activities. There should be no ambiguity about the primary source of elevated nitrogen levels in our water - it comes from agriculture - and Ireland cannot continue to expect to receive special treatment from the EU when it comes to nitrate pollution in our water
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, the debate over the Nitrates Directive
Agricultural productivity must be balanced with environmental responsibility so it is worrying to hear a spokesperson for Teagasc express the hope that our nitrate derogation can be maintained, which would allow farmers to have more livestock per acre. Addressing this challenge requires decisive action, not exemptions, to safeguard Ireland's water future.
How is water quality determined?
Water quality is determined by chemical, physical and biological factors, each influencing the suitability of water for drinking, agriculture and industry. Monitoring these factors is essential for maintaining healthy water systems and preventing environmental and health risks.
Nitrogen pollution is a critical indicator of water quality, with profound environmental and human health implications. As a key component of fertilisers, manure and animal waste, nitrogen easily leaches into water bodies through runoff and groundwater infiltration, particularly in agricultural regions.
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From RTÉ News, Government outlines plan to secure nitrates derogation renewal
Agricultural policy’s impact on farming
Several policy instruments at national, regional, and international levels have shaped agricultural production and, in turn, influenced nitrate pollution in rivers and lakes. These policies aim to balance food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, but they often have unintended consequences, particularly concerning water quality.
While policy instruments designed to increase agricultural production have succeeded in enhancing food supply, they have also intensified nitrate pollution in water bodies. The Nitrates Directive is a key policy for tackling agricultural nitrate pollution, requiring EU member states to designate Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and enforce measures like manure spreading restrictions, buffer zones and closed fertiliser application periods.
Policies vs practices
While it has helped reduce pollution in some areas, enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in regions of intensive farming where nitrogen runoff persists. Agricultural policies boosting food production have driven nitrate pollution by promoting intensive fertiliser use and livestock expansion. Excess nitrogen runoff, worsened by heavy rainfall and poor management, has contaminated groundwater and fuelled eutrophication. The loss of natural buffers has further accelerated pollution.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Countrywide, Tirlán, the largest dairy co-op in the country, has been working on its response to the possible loss of a derogation from the EU Nitrates Directive. Countrywide speaks to Alan and Cheryl Poole, dairy farmers with a very light footprint.
To address this, policies like the EU Nitrates Directive and CAP reforms promote sustainable practices such as controlled fertiliser use and buffer strips. However, enforcement and farmer participation remain key challenges in balancing agricultural productivity with water protection.
Ireland has introduced several agri-environmental schemes to promote sustainable farming, including GLAS and its successor, ACRES, which focus on biodiversity, water protection, and climate action. Earlier initiatives like REPS laid the groundwork for these efforts.
Why does water conservation remain a challenge?
Despite progress, balancing agricultural productivity with water conservation remains a challenge. Policies like CAP, Food Wise 2025 and the Nitrates Directive have shaped farming practices, while Farm to Fork and ACRES aim to mitigate environmental impacts. Stronger monitoring, enforcement and farmer engagement are crucial to reducing nitrate pollution while maintaining a resilient agricultural sector.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, should we ditch the nitrates derogation to save our water?
The EPA Early Insights Indicator Report shows that nitrogen levels have improved in 2024. However, according to the EPA, nitrogen remains too high in the southeastern half of the country. Agriculture is the primary source of nitrogen in these areas. Addressing this issue requires a balanced approach, integrating agricultural policies with strong environmental regulations, investment in sustainable practices, and collaboration between farmers, scientists, and policymakers to ensure both food security and water quality protection.
Protecting water quality is not just an environmental priority, but is essential for public health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. The ongoing nitrate debate highlights the challenge of balancing agricultural productivity with environmental responsibility. While the EPA report shows a slight improvement in nitrate levels, this should not justify further derogations. Instead, it must reinforce the need for continued progress, stricter safeguards, and stronger commitments to achieving water quality standards that truly protect ecosystems and future generations.
We have to face the fact that intensive agriculture contributes to nitrogen pollution. Ireland's agricultural future depends on a balanced approach that safeguards both food production and environmental sustainability. To achieve this, we must actively incentivise farming practices that protect our natural resources while ensuring a thriving and resilient food system.
It is essential that farmers receive fair and meaningful subsidies for adopting environmentally responsible practices
Farmers play a critical role as stewards of the land, and it is essential that they receive fair and meaningful subsidies for adopting environmentally responsible practices. Financial support must be coupled with well-designed policies that empower farmers to make sustainable choices without jeopardising their livelihoods.
By aligning economic incentives with environmental goals, we can drive a transformative shift towards regenerative agriculture, protecting our water, soil, and biodiversity while securing Ireland’s reputation as a leader in sustainable food production.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
