'Significant change' needed to tackle agri pollution
The Office for Environmental Protection said existing regulations are insufficient to deliver necessary water quality improvements.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Failing to invest in what needs to be done today is just borrowing from the next generation."
— Robbie McDonald , Academic
"Improving water quality is a top priority but it is critical we work together."
— Andrew Muir , Politician
"Agricultural policy cannot be developed by looking at environmental outcomes in isolation."
— John McLenaghan , Politician
"Nutrient pollution is a key threat to Northern Ireland’s waters."
— Professor Robbie McDonald , Academic
"The agriculture industry and farmers have made considerable progress in reducing nutrient emissions."
— Professor Robbie McDonald , Academic
"The revision of the NAP offers the key opportunity for the Executive to help deliver on water quality."
— Professor Robbie McDonald , Academic
Key People
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister for Northern Ireland.
President of the Ulster Farmers' Union involved in the Nutrient Action Programme review.
Chief Scientist at the Office for Environmental Protection.
Chief Scientist at the Office for Environmental Protection.
Tags
All Coverage
The Office for Environmental Protection said existing regulations are insufficient to deliver necessary water quality improvements.
Britain’s water quality crisis requires more than incremental fixes, according to a new assessment that found current agricultural pollution regulations fall far short of what’s needed to restore the nation’s waterways.
Urgent, significant change is needed to agricultural regulations to improve water quality, according to the Office for Environmental Protection. Existing regulations are insufficient, with gaps and legal uncertainties limiting their effectiveness in tackling nutrient pollution from farming, the watchdog found. The OEP made 12 recommendations, including farmer support and increased inspections, while farmers argue policy must consider economic realities alongside environmental goals.
Regulations aimed at reducing pollution from agriculture have not done enough to improve water quality in Northern Ireland, a new report has stated. The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) report assessed the effectiveness of the Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) Regulations, which have been in place since 2019. The OEP concluded that the regulations need to be “significantly strengthened and better implemented” if they are to deliver improved water quality.
Key regulations, aimed at reducing pollution from agriculture, have not done enough to improve water quality, despite positive investment and efforts from farmers, a report from the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) said today [Thursday, April 30].
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