Nitrate Sensitive Areas Regulations 1994 (S.I. No. 1729 of 1994).

These Regulations comply with Council Regulation (EC) No. 2078/92 on agricultural methods compatible with the requirements of protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside. They allow the Minister of Agriculture to make payments to farmers in nitrate sensitive areas. The nitrate sensitive areas are defined in maps deposited at the Ministry of areas listed in Schedule 1. Schedule 2 sets out undertakings concerning mainly the application of nitrogen fertilizer which a farmer must give for at least five years in all cases in order to be eligible for aid. Schedules 3 to 5 set out additional undertakings. The Minister may vary the terms of the undertakings in each individual case provided that the Minister is satisfied that the undertakings are compatible with the EC Regulation. Regulation 4 specifies qualifying conditions for land and farmer. Regulation 5 specifies which land is eligible for aid. (16 Regulations completed by 7 Schedules)