Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
419. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider extending the deadline for lime to be spread beyond 31 March 2024 to 15 July 2024 to allow farmers time to spread the lime after first cut silage if the weather has not improved sufficiently before then; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44755/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 6th of October, I announced flexibility to the spreading date under the National Liming Programme.
While the deadline of 31st October 2023 remains in place for receipt of claims, applicants have until the 31st of March 2024 to spread the lime.
The extension to the spreading dates was permitted due to the challenging weather conditions in 2023.
However, as this programme is supported as a once-off measure from the National Exchequer and there is no funding available for next year, I do not envisage any further extension to the spreading date as administration checks for the programme must be completed by early 2024.
