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Ministers Heydon and Browne announce one week extension to slurry spreading deadline
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Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, have today announced a one-week extension to the slurry spreading deadline. In order to avail of the extension farmers will be asked to register with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in advance of spreading.
In response to exceptional weather over the summer period and the recent surge in grass growth in areas that were previously impacted by drought, slurry application will be permitted this year up to Wednesday 7 October, with the closed period for slurry spreading commencing on Thursday 8 October.
Announcing the extension, Ministers Heydon and Browne stated:
“The Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations provide for an extension to the slurry spreading period in exceptional circumstances where defined criteria have been met. We are satisfied those criteria have been met this year and in response a one-week extension has been granted.”
Minister Heydon further commented:
“Weather conditions this year have presented significant challenges for many farmers, in particular due to the drought experienced during the summer over much of the south and southeast of the country. I am conscious that on some farms animals were indoors up to very recently as farmers sought to build covers to allow animals get back out to grass and with the harvesting of second and third cuts having been delayed, this extension will help manage workload on farms.”
The extension announced today gives an opportunity for farmers to ensure they can comply with the closed period while also promoting responsible slurry application. Farmers who wish to avail of the extension need to register with the Department of Agriculture in advance of spreading. This can be done by emailing nitrates@agriculture.gov.ie or by phoning 053 916 3425 and quoting their herd number.
Both Ministers concluded by stating that given the importance of improving water quality, inspectors from the local authorities as well as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will be adopting a zero-tolerance approach to anyone found spreading slurry, or soiled water, during the respective closed period.
ENDS