Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2011
424 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if farmers will be permitted to spread slurry until 1 November 2011 due to the exceptionally wet August and September and the resulting difficulties associated with these months of heavy rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28763/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Nitrates Directive requires every Member State to implement a Nitrates Action Programme. Under the Directive each Action Programme must specify periods when the land application of chemical and organic fertilisers is prohibited. These closed periods are set out in Schedule 4 of the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations (SI No. 610 of 2011) which were introduced by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The closed period is due to commence on 15th October as set out in the Regulations.
Reports have been received of farmers being unable to spread slurry in some areas due to unseasonable heavy rainfall in September. My officials are in the process of gathering information from various sources, including Met Éireann, to establish the extent of the problem. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, in consultation with my Department and the European Commission, will examine the evidence and make a decision shortly on whether or not a limited extension to the slurry spreading period should be granted.
