Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1039. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration is being given to extending the closing date for the spreading of lime under the liming scheme, given challenging weather and ground conditions in many places and concerns raised by farmers regarding their ability to spread lime by the current deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12828/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1040. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, due to weather conditions and a limited number of agricultural contractors, the period to spread the approved quantity of lime could be extended until the end of October 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12859/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1057. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the extremely wet conditions throughout the country and to consider extending the closing date for spreading lime under the liming scheme as a matter of urgency in the interest of health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13097/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1039, 1040 and 1057 together.
s the Deputy will be aware in October last year I announced important flexibility to the spreading date under the National Liming Programme. The extension was permitted due to the challenging weather conditions in 2023.
However, with the high levels of rainfall recorded since last July and little improvement in ground conditions and soil trafficability since the beginning of the year I recognise the challenges farmers have faced trying to spread lime.
Last week I announced an extension to the date by which lime must be spread under this Programme. Lime, purchased under the scheme, can now be spread by Friday 28th June 2024.
This flexibility gives farmers an opportunity to apply lime when ground conditions improve.
