Aontú Senator Sarah O'Reilly has called on the Government to give a firm and definitive commitment to retain Ireland's nitrates derogation.
Her calls follow a major meeting in Fermoy where over 2,000 farmers gathered to voice serious concerns about the future of Irish farming.
Raising the issue in the Seanad, Senator O'Reilly said farmers have done everything asked of them yet continue to face constant pressure from Brussels.
She believes farmers have invested heavily in new technology and in low emission outputs to protect the environment and improve water quality, yet they're constantly being hit with new measures from Europe that threaten the very future of rural Ireland.
The Cavan senator confirmed that she has written to the Minister seeking a clear guarantee that Ireland's nitrates derogation, which allows for up to 250kg of nitrogen per hectare, will be retained in both the short and long term.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Senator O'Reilly says Rural Ireland depends on this derogation.
She hopes that Minister Heydon makes this clear with EU Environment Commissioner later this week.
