Collins: Derogation welcome — But "real problem is the woeful neglect by Uisce Eireann as raw sewage from treatment plants continues to leak into every river in Ireland".
Independent Ireland Leader and TD for Cork South West Michael Collins has welcomed the news that the Government’s request for an extension of the nitrates derogation may be granted — but warned that the real crisis remains failing infrastructure, poor water treatment, and long-neglected water-quality standards.
"Raw sewage continues to pump into rivers and waterways all over Ireland and the EPA continue to completely ignore the problem - instead the incessant attack on farming continues"
Collins also took aim at parties which he has labeled as "anti rural Ireland and anti farmer"
"This week we saw the Social Democrats, Labour and People Before Profit oppose funding for our equestrian and greyhound industries, but also call for an end to derogation which would effectively destroy family farming around the country - They are blatantly anti rural Ireland and anti farming and it's increasingly evident these parties have no clue about either rural communities or our world class agricultural sector"
“Farmers have worked hard, and deserve the relief this derogation brings,” Deputy Collins said. “But let’s be clear: the real issue is not farming. It is the collapsing water-treatment infrastructure and decades of neglect that have polluted our rivers, lakes and groundwater. That must be addressed now.”
The renewal of the derogation would allow many Irish farmers to continue operating under extended limits on fertiliser and livestock density, something long argued necessary to support Ireland’s pasture-based farming model.
Collins acknowledged that improvements on farms have helped reduce nitrate runoff; recent figures show a reduction in nitrogen levels on many rivers, and around two-thirds of monitored water bodies are now rated good or high ecological status in areas where derogation applies.
But he added these gains are fragile and easily undermined while water-treatment systems remain inadequate — particularly in rural and smaller towns, where outdated or faulty sewage works and water-treatment plants frequently fail. The fact that agriculture often bears the brunt of blame masks these underlying infrastructure crises, he argued.
Collins said: “This should be an opportunity to invest properly in water treatment, wastewater works, and catchment-wide upgrades. Otherwise we risk trading short-term relief for long-term damage.”
He called on the Government to commit to a nationwide programme of water-infrastructure upgrades, with priority given to rural treatment plants, wastewater systems, and polluted catchments.
“Farmers want to do the right thing — but too many communities have paid the price for crumbling water infrastructure,” he said. “If Ireland is serious about clean water, we must fix the plumbing before we blame the farmers.”
