Gormley eases farmers' nitrates concerns
Minister for the Environment John Gormley has said that farmers have nothing to fear following an increase in the penalties for nitrates offences.
The tough new penalties are part of the existing nitrates regulations which protect waters against pollution from farming.
Gormley has come in for major criticism from farmers groups for the move.
IFA president Padraig Walshe said that farmers are "scape goats" for water pollution.
But Gormley said that the move is necessary to ensure waterways remain clean.
