Summary
The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a public consultation on the review of the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) (2019) and seeks feedback on the proposed NAP for 2026 – 2029.
Documents
- NAP Consultation Document
- NAP Consultation Summary
- Addendum to the NAP Consultation Document
- Strategic Environment Assessment
- Habitats Regulations Assessment
- Equality Impact Screening
- Regulation Impact Assessment
- Rural Needs Impact Assessment
- Review of the 2019 Nutrient Action Programme Regulations
- AFBI Scientific Evidence Contributing to N Fertiliser Limits NAP 2026-2029
Consultation description
The aim of the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) is to improve water quality and the wider environment by reducing and preventing pollution caused or induced by nutrients from agricultural sources. This is the fourth review of the NAP, and this consultation provides an opportunity to get involved and share your views on the proposed updated NAP for 2026 – 2029.
It is clear from the water quality data and scientific evidence that, additional measures are needed particularly on phosphorus and ammonia emissions to achieve an improvement in water quality. Excess phosphorus is the main cause of water quality problems in Lough Neagh and across Northern Ireland. Therefore, we need to do more to reduce the overall phosphorus surplus in the Northern Ireland Agricultural system.
It is proposed through the NAP to carry forward all the measures in the 2019 NAP Regulations and to add in some new additional measures which have been developed based on scientific research. These new proposals include some actions included within the Lough Neagh Action Plan. They will help to meet the objective of reducing water pollution from agricultural sources and, subject to consultation and Executive approval, would take effect from 1 January 2026.
Water quality affects all citizens in Northern Ireland, and everyone is encouraged to get involved and share their views on the proposals. The primary method for responses is online via Citizen Space. Please use the green button at the bottom of this page for access to the Citizen Space document.
Following this consultation, all responses will be considered and a synopsis of responses published on the DAERA website. These responses will help to inform the final NAP Regulations 2026 which will be presented to the Executive for approval.
Further information relating to the existing Nutrients Action Programme, its reports and presentations published by the Department can be found at Nutrients Action Programme.
Further information:
The following presentations delivered at the Greenmount Information Event on 29 May 2025
- Proposed Nutrients Action Programme (2026-2029)
- Water Quality and Catchment Science
- Sustainable Use of Livestock Slurry (SULS)
Nutrients Action Programme - Webinars
DAERA hosted two online Information Events with Question and Answer Sessions.
These are available to watch again:
Ways to respond
Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.