Have Your Say: Proposed Nutrients Action Programme 2026–2029 – Public Consultation Now Open

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a public consultation on the Proposed Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) for 2026–2029, and the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is urging local communities, farmers, landowners, developers, environmental groups, and stakeholders to engage with this important process.

The Nutrients Action Programme is a key policy tool that aims to improve water quality and the wider environment by reducing and preventing nutrient pollution from agricultural sources. This consultation marks the fourth review of the NAP and presents an opportunity for the public to shape the updated programme for 2026–2029.

Water quality affects everyone. Within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, our rivers, loughs, marine areas, and wetlands are vital not only for biodiversity but also for health, culture, tourism, and community wellbeing. Protecting these shared resources requires clear, science-based policy and the NAP is central to that effort.

Scientific evidence shows that further action is urgently needed, particularly to reduce phosphorus and ammonia emissions, if we are to see meaningful improvements in water quality. Excess phosphorus has been identified as the main driver of water quality problems in Lough Neagh and many other catchments across Northern Ireland. Addressing the phosphorus surplus in our agricultural system is essential.

The proposed NAP for 2026–2029 seeks to retain all measures from the 2019 Regulations while introducing new actions informed by scientific research, including steps aligned with the emerging Lough Neagh Action Plan. These additions are designed to reduce pollution from agricultural sources and, subject to consultation and Executive approval, would come into effect on 1 January 2026.

This is a critical moment for everyone invested in the future of our environment from food producers to conservationists, from residents to policy-makers. The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark encourages everyone to submit a response. This is your chance to influence policy that will affect our rivers, coasts, soils, and ecosystems for years to come.

The consultation is now live and remains open until Friday, 30 August 2025.

You can access the full consultation, supporting documents, and response form on DAERA’s website via the following link: DAERA Public Consultation – Proposed Nutrients Action Programme 2026–2029

Responses are encouraged via Citizen Space, DAERA’s online consultation platform. Following the consultation, all feedback will be reviewed and published, and will help inform the final NAP Regulations to be presented to the Northern Ireland Executive for approval.

As a UNESCO Global Geopark, we are committed to the protection and sustainable management of our landscapes from the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion to the shores of Strangford and Carlingford Loughs. Tackling nutrient pollution is vital to preserving the integrity and vitality of these special places.

Let’s work together to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for people, nature, and water across Mourne Gullion Strangford.