Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Andrew Muir, has announced the launch of a public consultation on the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) in Northern Ireland 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. It 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 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 January 1, 2026.
Nutrients Action Programme
Following the launch of the consultation, Minister Andrew 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 increased imports of concentrate feed stuffs and the consequent rise in agricultural phosphorus surplus, have resulted in higher losses of phosphorus to waterways, the department indicated.
From 2012 to 2022, average soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) levels in rivers have increased by 55%, DAERA reported, outlining the need for agricultural phosphorus surplus to be reduced “significantly” to improve water quality in Northern Ireland.
“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 (LESS) 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,” Muir added.
