Stronger Support Needed for Farmers on the Ground to Build on Water Quality Improvements

IFA President Francie Gorman said today’s EPA Water Quality Report 2025 shows some progress, with 54% of rivers and lakes now classified as being of good or high ecological status, a 2% increase from the 2024 report.

“Given the scale of the work on the ground, I am disappointed that we’re not seeing greater improvement. Over half of our water bodies are now at good or high status. The report does point to stable water quality, but it is clear that more needs to be done,” said Mr. Gorman.

“This year, seven bespoke Catchment Action Plans were published under the Better Farming for Water campaign. These plans have been rolled out across eight priority river catchments identified by the EPA as catchments of concern.”

Francie Gorman said a dedicated Catchment Implementation Group has been established for each action plan, bringing together farmers, sector representatives, regulators, catchment scientists, independent farm advisers and specialists from local authorities and Teagasc.

“This science-led, multi-stakeholder approach provides a structured and practical framework of targeted measures to deliver real and sustained improvements in water quality. The plans provide a clear pathway for all stakeholders to work together and target measures where they can have the greatest impact.”

Mr. Gorman said considerable capacity, expertise, stakeholder engagement and goodwill have been developed through the Better Farming for Water campaign and the development of the action plans.

“It is therefore vital that advisory and financial supports are maintained and strengthened to support implementation of the plans. This will help sustain momentum, build farmer confidence and ensure the successful delivery of water quality outcomes,” he said.

“In particular, TAMS is vital to support farmers in putting in more nutrient storage, a key plank to protecting water quality. It is imperative that Minister Heydon delivers more funding for TAMS in the upcoming Budget to match farmers’ willingness to invest in delivering further improvements in water quality.”

Mr. Gorman said farmers will not be found wanting in their commitment to improving water quality, but they must be supported to do so.