Award-winning project extended into Kilkenny's River Nore catchment area

Tirlán Co-op Chairperson John Murphy has announced the expansion of the award-winning Farming for Water: River Slaney Project across the Nore, Barrow, Boyne, Blackwater and Suir catchments.

This is part of Tirlán’s on-going commitment to support Co-op members improve on-farm economic and environmental performance and on-farm actions taking place as part of Teagasc’s collaborative Better Farming for Water Campaign.

Mr Murphy said the move is timely, given that nitrates derogation discussions with the European Commission are expected to begin in 2028.

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“Planning for the next derogation starts now. This was my clear message in December when I spoke with senior European Commission officials and Members of the European Parliament in Brussels.

“Our Co-op’s decision to establish the collaborative and European award-winning Farming for Water: River Slaney Project with partners including Teagasc, LAWPRO and ifac has now provided a science-based blueprint for national water quality improvement.

“The engagement by our Co-op Members to date has been very constructive and positive. I know this will continue into 2026 as we all seek to address water quality challenges in our local communities and give ourselves every chance of the continuation of the derogation, post 2028.”

Tirlán CEO, Seán Molloy, commended the huge number of on-farm actions taken by farm family suppliers, supported by their Co-op, to enhance water quality and future proof their family-based enterprises.

“I am delighted to confirm that Tirlán has worked with our Co-op Members and submitted Farming For Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) funding applications to the value of €6 million.

“This has helped fund practical measures that will make a direct impact on water quality. ”

Co-op Members are now encouraged to review their EIP applications and ensure measures applied for are implemented on-farm. This can be done with the support of Tirlán’s Agri-Sustainability Team.

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Mr Molloy acknowledged the considerable work by Government, Members of the European Parliament, Teagasc, farm organisations, ICOS, DII, LAWPRO and most importantly Co-op Members in securing the nitrates derogation.

However, he called on the Government to work to pragmatically satisfy the Habitats Directive requirement without delay to ensure Co-op Members remain in derogation post 2028 and that full TAMS funding is available for additional on-farm nutrient storage requirements.