Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
468. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if further flexibility will be provided regarding the announced extension to the slurry spreading deadline, with consideration of weather conditions and engagement with the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42170/23]
View answerIn accordance with the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations, (S.I. No. 113 of 2022, as amended), the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in consultation with me, last year agreed and published criteria to determine whether the period for slurry spreading could be extended beyond the 30th of September up to the 15th of October.
These scientific criteria were developed to ensure that any risk to water quality would be considered and that any delay in the closed period would only be granted where an assessment of the criteria indicates that such a delay will not represent a threat to water quality. The criteria are published at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f44d-good-agricultural-practice-regulations-exemption-criteria-for-the-closed-period-and-shallow-cultivation/
Following a review of the published criteria, on the 21st of September Minister O'Brien and I agreed to extend the slurry spreading season for an additional seven days to conclude on the 7th of October.
My Officials continue to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis and it is noted that weather conditions are to improve this week.
