Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
165 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the policy of the Government on regulations with set-aside land in view of evidence that undried municipal sewage sludge is being spread on land (details supplied) at Ballinastran, County Wexford. [20572/04]
View answerUnder the provisions of the EU arable aid scheme, all applicants are required to ensure that their land eligible for payment , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition. In particular one of the management rules relating to land which is put in set-aside provides that the application of fertiliser, organic or inorganic, is allowed between 16 April and 31 October at levels that do not present an environmental hazard. My Department carries out routine inspections of selected applicants to ensure that these requirements are adhered to by farmers. If not the relevant penalties are imposed.
The re-use of sewage sludge in agriculture is fully regulated and is subject to compliance with the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations 1998, as amended, which give effect to Council Directive 86/278/EC on the protection of the environment and particularly of the soil when sewage sludge is used in agriculture.
