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Some 6,746 farmers applied for a nitrates derogation ahead of the March deadline, figures from the Department of Agriculture show.
This was a 2% drop compared to last year, when 6,891 applications were received.
However, a Department spokesperson said fertiliser accounts for 2018 are still being processed so a final count is unavailable.
With a derogation in place, farmers can exceed the 170kg/ha organic nitrogen limit up to a maximum of 250kg/ha, subject to stricter rules.
The review was prompted by a marked increase in the area of land being farmed under derogation since 2014
Ireland’s nitrates derogation is currently under review, with a public consultation also under way.
The review was prompted by a marked increase in the area of land being farmed under derogation since 2014.
Between 2014 and 2018, the area under derogation jumped by 34% to 445,200ha.
During the same period, the Environmental Protection Agency recorded a 3% deterioration in Ireland’s water quality and an increase in both greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions.
Recommendations from the review will be published in June 2019, for implementation next year.
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