Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
147. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will change the rules governing the spreading of slurry to allow farmers to spread slurry after 30 September each year, by getting a permit from his Department to allow them spread slurry in dry weather (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47190/23]
View answerThe Good Agricultural Practice – GAP- Regulations allow for an extension of the slurry spreading season up until the 15th October provided there are suitable ground and growth conditions and a favourable weather forecast to ensure that the slurry spreading will not impact water quality. This year I approved the maximum extension allowing farmers more time to empty their tanks before the start of the slurry spreading closed period.
Spreading of slurry in unfavourable ground and weather conditions results in run-off to nearby streams, rivers and lakes impacting water quality. We continue to see unsatisfactory trends in our water quality as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency. We need to do all we can to prevent further impact by ensuring that slurry is spread when and where it is most needed by crops, and as early in the season as is practicable.
Therefore, going forward, farmers should prioritise emptying their slurry storage facilities as early in the growing season as possible. This has agronomic benefits for the farmer and protects water quality. The requirement to spread slurry after 30 September is avoidable with efficient management. Farmers following best practice should have empty slurry tanks by 30 September. In the future, this will avoid slurry storage capacity issues.
I have recently raised the matter of slurry storage and management with Minister McConalogue asking him and his officials in DAFM to continue to promote the early application of slurry to avoid slurry storage capacity issues at the start of the closed period for slurry spreading and to encourage farmers to put adequate slurry storage in place.
