Insights emerging from the Irish Regional Cluster

Ireland is characterised by grass-based agricultural systems, with a strong focus on dairy and livestock production. Nutrient management in this context is closely linked to farm productivity, water quality, and climate-related objectives. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) management plays a central role in balancing agricultural performance with environmental protection, particularly in relation to surface and groundwater bodies.

The workshops organised within the Irish Regional Cluster focused on the sectors most relevant for regional nutrient flows, with particular attention to agriculture, water management, industry, and energy. Discussions reflected the importance of farm-level practices, advisory systems, and policy frameworks in shaping nutrient management outcomes across the territory.

Across the workshops, several Ireland-specific insights emerged:

Farm-level nutrient management was identified as a key leverage point, with a strong emphasis on optimisation rather than reduction of productivity.
The role of advisory services and knowledge transfer was highlighted as a key factor in supporting the adoption of improved nutrient management practices.
Stakeholders stressed the need for coherence between environmental policies and farm realities, particularly in relation to water quality objectives.
Interest in integrated approaches combining management practices, data use, and policy support to achieve balanced nutrient flows at regional scale.

The activities brought together a broad range of regional actors, including farmers, advisory services, researchers, public authorities, sectoral organisations, and industry representatives. Around 60 participants took part in the workshops, and 20 stakeholders formally joined the Cluster, confirming their interest in continued engagement throughout the project.

Together, these outcomes underline the role of the Irish Regional Cluster in advancing practical, farm-centred approaches to nutrient management that align productivity goals with environmental protection.