Nitrates Derogation - important consultation for Kilkenny farmers

The consultation on the SEA Environmental Report and the draft Programme has been published and will run to 1 December

A separate, independent consultation process on the Natura Impact Statement by the Ecological Assessment Unit (EAU) of the National Parks and Wildlife Service has been published and will also run to 1 December

'You’ll be so missed' - Kilkenny bar says tearful goodbye to outgoing staff member

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report in relation to the Draft Sixth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) has been published and is now open to consultation from the public.

The key focus of Ireland’s NAP is to protect water quality from the impact of agricultural nutrients as required under the Nitrates Directive. The draft Sixth NAP was published online on 28th October 2025 for public consultation. The associated Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report, was published today for a 28 day consultation period.

Through this public consultation, the broader public and any other interested parties may take the opportunity to now provide their views on the SEA.

The Nitrates Directive sets a limit of 170 kg/ha for the application of livestock manure nitrogen to land, however it allows for a higher rate to be applied, subject to certain stricter environmental conditions, and this is commonly known as the nitrates derogation. Ireland has been granted a derogation in all five NAPs to date and has again requested a renewal of the derogation under the Sixth NAP. If successful, the derogation will be incorporated into the Programme.

Kilkenny needs more 'age friendly parking' - do you agree?

The SEA Environmental Report and the draft Programme have been published on the government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/consultations/. The consultation process will run to 1 December.

Natura Impact Statement by the Ecological Assessment Unit (EAU) of the National Parks and Wildlife Service

A separate, independent consultation process is being undertaken concurrently regarding the Natura Impact Statement by the Ecological Assessment Unit (EAU) of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. 

The Natura Impact statement relates to the draft Sixth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and has been published for consultation.

This consultation is available on https://www.gov.ie/en/consultations/. The consultation process will run to 1 December