Tirlán’s chief executive Seán Molloy has said that the timing of the Department of Agriculture’s announcement that Brussels wants the country to go through a more onerous nitrates derogation application process is especially disappointing, as it comes just after signs of water quality improvements were reported for 2024. The co-op boss was referencing the Environmental Protection Agency’s comments last week that river nitrates levels decreased across most regions in 2024.

“The latest announcement with respect to derogation is extremely frustrating and concerning for all our co-op members,” Molloy told the Irish Farmers Journal. “It is particularly disappointment as it comes at a time when real and measurable progress on improving water quality is occurring.”

The Tirlán CEO stated that despite the change of approach with renewing the derogation, the co-op “remains determined to do whatever is required to retain the derogation” – which he said is “critically important” to suppliers.

“More than ever, the battle for retention requires a united approach from all within our industry.”