DAERA Minister has appointed an external
facilitator for the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) Stakeholder
Task and Finish Group.
Karen Brosnan, who brings over 25 years of experience working
across agriculture, environment and public policy, will lead the
multi-stakeholder group to consider responses to the NAP
consultation, any alternative solutions and develop revised
proposals for the NAP 2026-29 for the consideration of the
Minister.
Welcoming the appointment, DAERA Minister said: “The appointment
of Karen Brosnan will help facilitate a way forward on the
Nutrients Action Programme to help improve water quality through
working with the members of the Group to reach agreed
solutions.
“I trust that her independence, expertise and previous
experience will enable her to work with all interested parties to
ensure a successful outcome. It is important that the Group now
progresses its work with pace, to agree proposals that are
evidence based, workable at farm level within realistic
timeframes and which meet legislative requirements.”
The first meeting of the Group, which has representation from
DAERA, the farming and agri-food sector and environmental groups,
will take place in the very near future. The terms of reference
will be confirmed following their agreement with the Group at its
first meeting.
Notes to editors:
- Ms Brosnan has previously led multi-stakeholder processes for
organisations including the Environmental Protection Agency,
Teagasc, and the Irish Farmers' Association. Ms Brosnan currently
serves on the boards of the Agri-Food Regulator, Horse Sport
Ireland and Agri Aware. Previously she chaired Nuffield Ireland
and Gurteen Agricultural College.
- During this timebound process, consideration will be given to
the economic impact of these revised proposals and a draft
Economic Impact Assessment will also be prepared.
- A further eight-week public consultation will be carried out
on the updated proposals and the draft Economic Impact
Assessment.
