DAERA Minister has announced the launch of a
public consultation on the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) for
2026 – 2029.
The NAP, first introduced in 2007, aims to improve water quality
by reducing and preventing pollution caused by nutrients from
agricultural sources. The NAP has previously been reviewed and
revised on three occasions.
In this fourth review, DAERA is proposing to carry forward all
the measures in the 2019 NAP Regulations and to add in some new
additional measures which have been developed based on scientific
research. These new proposals, which include some actions
included within the Lough Neagh Action Plan, will help to meet
the objective of reducing water pollution from agricultural
sources and, subject to consultation and Executive approval,
would start to take effect from 1 January 2026.
Following the launch of the consultation, Minister Muir said:
“I welcome the launch of this consultation which will
give all with an interest a chance to comment on proposals for
the updated Nutrients Action Programme. It is widely recognised
that the intensification of agricultural production has had
negative impacts on our environment. Research shows that around
62% of the high nutrient (phosphorus) levels in our waterbodies
come from agricultural sources.
“I also recognise that agriculture is
not the only sector impacting on water quality. Wastewater
treatment is also a significant source of nutrient inputs which
are a key cause of poor water quality. It is important that all
sectors play their part in improving water quality.
“The problems in Lough Neagh and other waterways are
challenges we must address urgently, we must take actions to
improve our water quality and meet our legal
obligations.”
The Minister continued: “This is why it is essential to
review NAP and consider additional measures to reduce the overall
phosphorus surplus in our agricultural system. The main
additional measures include further restrictions on use of
chemical phosphorus fertiliser and a farm phosphorus balance
limit for more intensive farms. Ensuring all farms in
Northern Ireland are using Low Emission Slurry Spreading
Equipment (LESSE) by 2030 will reduce environmental impacts and
increase efficient use of nutrients in slurry. A pilot focused
approach for priority areas to help improve water quality and
habitats that are badly affected by nutrient overload is also
proposed.”
Encouraging participation in the consultation, the Minister
stated: “I am firmly committed to working with farmers
and the entire agriculture sector to get to a more sustainable
position with nutrients and water quality. We want to hear as
many views as possible on the proposed updated NAP for 2026 –
2029. I welcome constructive input from stakeholders as part of
this process, including any evidence which supports alternative
approaches and solutions. I would encourage anyone with an
interest to submit their response.”
This consultation will remain open until 23:59 on 26 June 2025.
When the consultation closes, DAERA will consider all the
responses and the feedback received will help shape the changes
made to the NAP Regulations, which will be subject to Executive
approval.
The NAP consultation documents are available on the DAERA
website: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-proposed-nutrients-action-programme-2026-2029 or
you can email: Nutrientsactionprogramme@daera-ni.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
- In the five years following the introduction of NAP, there
was an improvement in water quality with a continuing downward
trend in both nitrate and phosphorus levels in
freshwaters. However, the water quality improvements
achieved up to 2012 have, in general, been offset by
intensification of the agricultural sector.
- The increased imports of concentrate feed stuffs and
consequent rise in the NI agricultural phosphorus surplus have
resulted in higher losses of phosphorus to waterways. From
2012 to 2022 average Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (SRP) levels in
our rivers increased by 55%. Therefore, the agricultural
phosphorus surplus needs to be reduced significantly to improve
water quality.
- The NAP Review also addresses a number of recommendations
contained within the Lough Neagh Action Plan.
