Jim Higgins
Question:66 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if farmers will be allowed to use converted piggeries as housing accommodation for cattle under the terms of the new farmyard pollution scheme. [13532/99]
Written Answers. - Control of Farmyard Pollution Scheme.
Under the terms of the proposed control of farm pollution scheme submitted to the European Commission for approval, provision has been made to grant aid for the conversion of existing farm structures to new requirements, provided the converted structure when finished, complies with my Department's minimum technical specifications for such a structure. These include the appropriate size of the structure, its structural safety, storage tank structure and capacity, ventilation standards, appropriate slatted and other passages.
It is not customary to convert piggeries for use as cattle housing. However, such a conversion might be eligible under the proposed new scheme if it could be converted to a standard and type of cattle housing which would qualify for grant aid under the scheme.