Cathaoirleach calls for update on water quality in county's rivers
Recently appointed Birr Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Hughie Egan has called for further information on water quality in the county's rivers during a discussion on farm inspections at the monthly meeting of the local authority.
The Fine Gael Councillor called on the Offaly County Council Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney for a "detailed update" on the issue and where possible, analysis "to be carried out on locations where water quality is improving and any problematic areas that should be identified".
“The monthly management report stated that target farm inspections are ongoing in accordance with the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022. The report stated that 10 nutrient management plans had been assessed this year and that nine had been approved to date.
“It is imperative for Irish agriculture to retain the nitrates derogation of 220kg N/ha. Demonstrating that our water quality is improving in Offaly and across the country is key to this effort. Farmers, the length and breadth of the county are really 'pushing the boat out' to achieve better water quality by implementing a range of measures including nutrient management plans, lower emissions slurry spending and the use of protected urea nitrogen.
"Furthermore, the sowing of clover in grass swards and a range of farm management practices are helping to achieve the drive to improve water quality. It would be really helpful to know if these measures are having the desired effect," Cllr Egan said.
The local authority Chief Executive agreed to present a detailed water quality report at a future meeting of the Council.
"Farmers have been looking after the land and the environment for hundreds of years and we are committed to doing so into the future. What we need is a benchmark of where we are at and we can all work to improve this situation to secure the future of the agri-food sector and protect our environment and biodiversity," Cllr Egan concluded.