An Irish MEP and Irish TD have both met with the new incoming European Commissioner for the Environment on Ireland's nitrates derogation, the Nature Restoration Law, and other issues.

Jessika Roswall was nominated to the European Commission by Sweden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appointed her as commissioner-designate for the environment.

She, along with all the other new commissioners, are due to undergo confirmation hearings by the European Parliament this month.

She met this week with Ireland Midlands--North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly and Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice, who attended the meeting virtually.

Following the meeting, Mullooly said that the likely next environment commissioner had indicated to him that she will examine the timeframe for the final decision on the retention of the nitrates derogation for Ireland.

According to Mullooly, Roswall said she would support member states in their efforts to meet the required standards to retain the derogation.

She also indicated that she would visit the Ireland Midlands--North-West constituency to see improvements being made by farmers, Mullooly said.

He also indicated that the commissioner expressed approval of the level of dialogue on the derogation and water quality in Ireland.

Mullooly told the commissioner that Irish water quality was among the best in any member state in Europe, and that more improvements needed to be made by municipal authorities, but it would take time.

According to the MEP, the commissioner said that time could be made available for these measures.

On the Nature Restoration Law, Mullooly, who, along with Fitzmaurice, is a member of the new Independent Ireland party, said that Roswall refused to be drawn on whether farmers and landowners would be compulsorily required to comply with the law, but she did say that compliance was a matter for the Irish government.

Mullooly and Fitzmaurice said they would be holding further discussions with the Irish government to ensure that all involvement was of a voluntary nature.

Mullooly also told Roswall that shortcomings in the EU Habitats Directive have resulted in families being forced from their homes around Lough Funshinagh in Co. Roscommon due to severe funding.

"Commissioner-designate Roswall said she will look at the habitats directive again, and the need we expressed for new legislation to protect human life," Mullooly said.