As part of Tirlan’s work to improve water quality and to support the retention of Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation, it recently launched the ‘Farming for Water: River Slaney Project’.
The project address challenges in this river which flows through the heart of the Tirlán catchment area in counties Wexford, Carlow and Wicklow.
Tirlán and its farmers are committed to playing their part and taking action to improve water quality.
It is now stepping up its work with all of its farm family suppliers and partners and is hosting a ‘Farming for the Future Open Farm Walk and Talk’ on Donal Kavanagh’s farm near Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow (W91 YD25) on Friday, June 21 at 11:00a.m, followed by lunch.
This on-farm event is open to all farmers and those involved in the agri-food sector and we’re urging as many as possible to attend and support Ireland’s retention case.
The practical, on farm event will include tips and advice from experts from Tirlán, Teagasc and leading organisations as well as an update on the derogation retention campaign.
It will showcase what Tirlán Teagasc Future Farm participant Donal and his family are doing on the farm to be economically and environmentally sustainable and includes an open panel discussion, followed by a Q&A session.
River Slaney
The event follows just weeks after the collaborative Farming for Water: River Slaney Project initiative was launched.
It is designed to enhance water quality across the Slaney River catchment area in counties Wexford, Carlow, and Wicklow.
The River Slaney Project is closely aligned with the Government’s €60 million European Innovation Partnership (EIP) ‘Farming for Water’ project aimed at improving water quality at local, catchment, and national levels.
This is crucial to help make the best possible case for Ireland to successfully retain the Nitrates Derogation from 2026.
The multi-year programme includes a series of combined projects, actions and activities led by Tirlán in collaboration with key stakeholders including Teagasc, professional services firm ifac, Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), County Councils and the wider community.
The project follows a whole of sector and local Government approach, with the aim of enhancing water quality through impactful actions across all farming enterprises, dairy, grain and drystock, and in the wider communities.
Farming for the future
A team of Tirlán farm advisors is utilising best practice advice and focusing on improving farm economic and environmental performance to address water quality challenges, while protecting biodiversity.
The advisory service is focusing on better nutrient use, improved milk solids, farm infrastructure and slurry storage capacity.
It aims to transform the Slaney from one highlighted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water testing programme as a ‘catchment of concern’ to one that provides best practice in how partnerships and collaboration can deliver real and meaningful changes and improvements that work for farmers, local communities, and the wider environment together.
The open event on Friday will include:
- Practical steps to improve water quality, nutrient use efficiency and boost on-farm profitability;
- Updates on Tirlán’s new Farm Support Service and River Slaney Project;
- The latest on the Nitrates Derogation and water quality with speakers from Teagasc, Department of Agriculture, IFA, ICMSA and EPA.
A panel discussion will also take place, which include a variety of key industry leaders, among them Dr. Frank O’Mara, director, Teagasc; Bill Callanan, chief inspector, Department of Agriculture; Tadhg Buckley, director of policy/chief economist at the IFA; an ICMSA representative and Mary Gurrie, EPA.
For more on Farming for Water – River Slaney Project, scan the QR code here
