New Report Highlights Nitrate Risks Across Midlands Water Bodies

Thursday, 3 September 2026 13:17

296 surface water bodies in the Midlands have identified as being ‘at risk’.

A new report from the Department of Agriculture shows there is a mixed picture when it comes the state of Midlands surface water bodies.

The Catchment Overview Report is an interim assessment of the environmental impact of the State's nitrates derogation.

The Department of Agriculture says there's 296 'at risk' surface water bodies in the Midlands.

These are located along the Rivers Shannon, Barrow, Nore, and Suir.

The Midlands River Shannon catchments are completely free from 'High Nitrates Risk', with around 9% of its surface water bodies flagged for a standard risk of nitrates pressure.

Of the 168 water bodies along the Suir catchment, 25% of them are being cited for high nitrate levels, with 36% at the lower level.

28% of the 145 water bodies on the Barrow are being flagged for high nitrate levels, and the figure is at 28% for the River Nore.

Nationally, around 7,000 farmers seek to avail of the Nitrates Derogation every year, with Ireland derogation extended to the end of 2028 this year.

The most significant condition of the derogation is for the State to undertake environmental assessments under the Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive.

The assessments must be completed by 2028 at the latest.