The current derogation for Ireland expires on January 1, 2026, with the derogation limit in certain areas being lowered from 250 kg/ha on January 1, 2024, to 220 kg/ha. This change will thus take effect in just a few months. The Irish Minister of Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue – like his German and Dutch counterparts before him – has unsuccessfully attempted to secure some kind of 'transition year' from Brussels.
According to Minister McConalogue, Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius confirmed that there is "no prospect" of reopening the current Commission decision. “The Commissioner made it clear that Ireland is one of only three remaining member states with a derogation, while emphasizing that there is no prospect of revising the current decision.”
The news means that thousands of Irish dairy farmers will be forced within the next four months to reduce their livestock or purchase additional pasture land to comply with the new EU rules.
Earlier this year, the Irish government already put forward a package of proposals for public consultation on how Ireland can reduce its livestock in the coming years. A decision on this must also be made within a few weeks.