Ireland’s Progress in Reducing Nitrogen Levels

The Environmental Protection Agency has published a new Early Insights Nitrogen Indicator, showing improvements in nitrogen levels in our major rivers. However, nitrogen levels continue to be too high in the southeastern half of the country, and further action is required.

Agriculture is the primary source of nitrogen in our waters. There is now significant focus by the sector to carry out actions to improve water quality and it is positive to these early signs of improvement.

Key Insights

?? Improvement in Nitrogen Levels: The EPA’s Early Insights Nitrogen Indicator for 2024 shows a reduction in nitrogen levels across the country’s rivers. However, elevated nitrogen levels remain in the southeast, signalling that further action is required.

??Agriculture’s Role: Agriculture continues to be the primary source of nitrogen in Irish rivers, especially in the freely draining soils in the southeast. Significant actions are underway by the sector to reduce nitrogen losses.

?? Ecological Health: While nitrogen levels have improved, further reductions are needed to support better ecological health in rivers. The EPA’s report highlights that the ecological quality of water bodies will not improve until nitrogen and phosphorus levels are reduced in areas where they are currently elevated.

?? Upcoming Comprehensive Assessment: Later in 2025, the EPA will release its comprehensive report on water quality in Ireland, which will combine data on nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations with biological monitoring of aquatic life. This will provide a fuller picture of the ecological health of Irish waters.

While significant progress has been made, further action is required to ensure the ecological health of Ireland’s rivers. The EPA will continue to monitor and assess water quality, and future reports will provide further insights.

You can read the full report here.