Cork farmers among 300-strong protest at Fianna Fáil think in 

Cork farmers were among those who joined a protest outside the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party think-in in County Tipperary on Monday over proposed changes to a nitrates derogation.

Over 300 farmers were involved in the protest and there are plans to hold further protests at this week’s Fine Gael meeting in Limerick and at the National Ploughing Championships.

Members of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) gathered at the Horse and Jockey Hotel outside Thurles to call on Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to oppose an EU Commission decision to introduce a tightening of rules around the spreading of manure from January.

Calls for reversal of nitrates decision

IFA Presidential candidate Francie Gorman said the Minister and his Department were forcing farmers to the brink with the new rules, which he claimed would force farmers to reduce their herd and acquire land to abide by the proposed increased limits.

“Farmers will not accept anything less than the nitrates decision being reversed and a total review of banding. Both of these moves combined will have a devastating impact on the smaller family farm, especially fresh milk producers,” he said.

“As I informed the Minister at yesterday’s International Sheepdog Trials in Blessington, County Wicklow, the IFA has put forward a credible solution that will help Ireland meet its targets under the nitrates directive and avoid the inevitable loss of jobs and income that the new rules will bring about if introduced in their current form.

“The situation is being exacerbated by the fact that an early decision on the CAP strategic plan has led to payments not being made on time.” 

Mr Gorman said IFA members will step up their protests unless the Government changes its approach.

'Constructive' talks 

Mr Martin and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue were heckled by farmers as they attempted to engage with IFA representatives outside the hotel.

The Fianna Fáil agriculture minister agreed to take a delegation from the IFA into a meeting with his party leader, Mr Martin.

Speaking following the meeting which caused a slight delay to the start of the Fianna Fáil event, Mr Martin described the talks as constructive.

“We listened carefully to all of the opinions from people representing different aspects of farming,” he said.

Mr Martin said the dairy sector will “bear the brunt” of the Commission’s decision to reduce the derogation.

“There is a clear challenge in terms of water quality and obviously the big challenge will be leading into 2026, where we will be seeking a retention of the derogation at 220,” he said.

An IFA spokesman described the meeting as “a robust exchange with the Tánaiste” in which Mr Martin agreed to reflect on the issues raised.