Vol. 454 No. 6
45 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to develop existing available technology for slurry injection on a commercial basis in view of the farming and environmental advantages to be obtained by injecting slurry into the land as opposed to surface spreading. [11282/95]
52 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to develop existing available technology for slurry injection on a commercial basis in view of the farming and environmental advantages to be obtained by injecting slurry into the land as opposed to surface spreading. [11285/95]
83 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to develop existing available technology for slurry injection on a commercial basis in view of the farming and environmental advantages to be obtained by injecting slurry into the land as opposed to surface spreading. [11284/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 52 and 83 together.
I have no plans to develop existing available technology for slurry injection on a commercial basis. However, there is ongoing research by Teagasc and researchers in other countries on methods of overcoming odour nuisance and ammonia emissions to the atmosphere from the spreading of slurries.
The use of injection equipment in Ireland has a number of disadvantages compared to the conventional splash plate system including higher equipment costs and the stony nature of Irish soils. Injection of slurries on a commercial basis in this country is a slow procedure with the technology now available. It is, however, hoped that research will lead to improved technology for this purpose.
Problems of odour nuisance from conventional spreading systems could be reduced by farmers if spreading operations are undertaken in accordance with codes of good agricultural practice for the land spreading of farm waste.
