Reacting to the statement from EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik that water quality trends are improving, IFA Environment Committee Chairman Pat Farrell said it proved that farmers are playing their part in safeguarding water quality.

The findings of the report underline the impact of the investment totalling €3bn under the Farm Waste Management Scheme by 34,000 farmers to improve storage and enhance water quality.

In the forthcoming review of the Nitrates Action Programme, Mr Farrell said recognition must be given to the efforts of the farming community by reviewing the rigid dates around the spreading of farm nutrients.

“The REPs scheme has played a significant role in helping farmers achieve high environmental standards on their farms and it has contributed to improved water quality.

"The new agri-environmental scheme, due to be introduced shortly, must be sufficiently attractive to allow farmers leaving REPS 3 to continue to manage their farms to this standard,” he concluded.