Two years. As long as Deputy Wilma Dirken (VVD) of Space and Wonen has been working to resolve the nitrogen crisis in Brabant. A crisis that has become more and more complicated for the past two years. Judicial judgments put the permits further on tires and the BBB minister has to wait for her plans. Yet Dirken thinks that it is possible to get Brabant out of the nitrogen marsh. “I hope to be able to issue permits again next year.”
Why do you see possibilities for issuing permits again next year?
“We are taking steps ahead, we are working hard to restore nature. I think we will be able to demonstrate that nitrogen emissions are falling and that nature is better. And so the moment we can start granting permits again. Not everywhere, I say, but the moment comes.”
Is it that easy or does something have to be done in The Hague?
In The Hague, 2.6 billion euros has been set aside for nitrogen, I hope that a significant part will end up in Brabant. We have arrived where we say: give us the money and let us get started. We know very well where the problems are and how we want to solve them, let us do that. Then of course, a cabinet’s policy remains. “
Nitrogen problems in Brabant
Because vulnerable nature areas are doing badly, no permits may be granted to projects that would cause extra nitrogen in those areas. This causes a delay in, for example, housing and the construction of roads. To solve this problem, the nitrogen emissions, which mainly comes from livestock farming, must go down considerably
In contrast to the promises made, there was no news from the cabinet about nitrogen on Prinsjesdag. The farmers’ organization ZLTO calls it standstill and says it is now used to it. They establish the hope for the next cabinet. Are you used to the standstill?
“I am disappointed because the plans have been postponed again. I understand what the ZLTO is saying, but standstill don’t get used to it. Fortunately, outlines have now been drawn up and money has been reserved. I hope those plans will be worked out quickly.”
In recent years, the judge has pronounced several times in nitrogen matters, which meant that companies that thought they did not need a permit now that they are in trouble. The province does not want to enforce because, it is stated, those companies themselves are not to blame. Do you see it happening that you will have to intervene later?
“Until now, we have always been able to explain to the court why intervention is too premature. But if we do not resolve the nitrogen crisis, it will be increasingly difficult to explain. I understand that a judge will soon say that we must if nothing changes. I therefore emphatically look at the government for measures and money.”
There are elections on October 29. What is your wish?
“I hope that a short formation will follow after the elections that a stable cabinet will produce. In many areas we need that cabinet. We can do a lot as a province, but we will remain dependent on the government.”
