Ireland loses derogation from the European nitrate directive. According to the European Union, Ireland has not been able to sufficiently reduce nitrate levels in ground and surface water. Without a derogation all Irish dairy farmers may use a maximum of 170 kilograms of nitrogen from animal manure per hectare in 2026 instead of the current 250 kilograms. In some parts of the country already a maximum of 220 kilograms of nitrogen from animal manure per hectare may be used by 2024.