Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1008. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if in view of the very wet weather this summer and the need to conserve fodder it is intended to relax the rules in relation to the spreading of fertiliser this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37893/12]
View answer1065. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if in view of the very wet weather this year it is intended to extend the latest date for slurry spreading this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37894/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1008 and 1065 together.
I am keenly aware of the challenges farmers are facing as a result of the very difficult weather conditions this summer. In order to assist with this situation, I have decided to grant an extension to the period during which chemical fertiliser may be applied. The closed period for chemical fertiliser will now commence on 1 October 2012 instead of 15 September 2012. I have also decided to extend the period for spreading livestock manures produced on farms. In this instance, the closed period was due to start on 15 October 2012 but will not now commence until 1 November 2012.
The purpose of these extensions is to allow farmers the opportunity to optimize the management of manure disposal on their farms while also addressing fodder shortages through extended grazing. In the interest of minimising the risk to the aquatic environment and maximising the return on application, farmers should apply fertilisers as early as possible, as conditions allow. Application is conditional on weather and ground conditions being suitable as set out in the Nitrates Regulations.
