Colm M. Hilliard
Ceist:177 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for the Environment the regulations and guidelines laid down by his Department in relation to the spreading of slurry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Spreading of Slurry.
No regulations have been made in relation to the spreading of slurry. The practice is, however, regulated by local authorities in exercising of their powers under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 and, in the case of new or extended development, by attaching conditions to planning permissions.
As part of the programme of measures to combat water pollution, a booklet Farmyard Wastes and Water Pollution was produced jointly by my Department and the Department of Agriculture and issued to over 200,000 farmers countrywide. This booklet contains information and guidance to farmers on spreading slurry so as to minimise the risk of causing water or air pollution. A copy of the booklet is available in the Oireachtas Library.