A Fine Gael senator has criticised the move by An Taisce to try and get the new nitrates derogation overturned as "deeply irresponsible".

An Taisce said this week that it has officially asked the European Commission to overturn the latter's decision to grant an extension to the nitrates derogation to Ireland.

Speaking in the Seanad, Fine Gael senator Eileen Lynch said: "I rise to call out the deeply irresponsible actions of An Taisce.

"This is a move that risks doing enormous damage to rural Ireland, farm families, the agri-food sector and the 7,000 farmers who are in derogation," she added.

"It reflects the reality of Ireland's grass-based farming model. As I mentioned... Despite all of this, we now see An Taisce asking the EU Commission to reconsider its decision to grant a nitrates derogation," Lynch said.

The senator claimed that the move by An Taisce "sends a terrible message that ideology is being prioritised over practicality and litigation over collaboration".

"Progress [on water quality] is made by working with farmers, not working against them, and by supporting behavioural change, investment and innovation rather than by seeking to query a decision that has already been made and that was fought hard for by the minister for agriculture, MEPs and politicians here," Lynch added.

"What An Taisce is doing...could damage livelihoods and create division where unity is needed. If this succeeds, the consequences will be severe and will lead to reduced stocking rates, loss of income and a direct hit to rural economies right across the country," she said.

In a later statement following her Seanad contribution, the Fine Gael senator said that the derogation is "a vital, science-based support for Ireland's grass-based farming model and is subject to strict environmental conditions and ongoing monitoring".

"This is a carefully controlled measure that recognises the unique nature of Irish agriculture, while protecting water quality. The intervention by An Taisce is out touch with rural Ireland," she said.

Lynch called on An Taisce to reconsider its approach and to "engage in meaningful dialogue".