Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
542. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to have a grant system in place similar to targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, TAMS, for drinking facilities from rivers via a water pump or drinking bowl system (details supplied); if this grant system will be in place before these requirements come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39316/17]
View answerThe recommendation that farms with grassland stocking rates of above 170kg of Nitrogen (N) per hectare per year from livestock manure be required to fence watercourses 1.5m from the top of the river bank arises from the review of the Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme.
The proposed deadline for the implementation of this recommendation by the affected farmers is 1 January 2021 which will give farmers time to plan for such fencing and provide alternative drinking sources as required.
The provision of additional investment items under TAMS may be considered. This consideration must take into account investments already grant aided and any available budget.
