Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

64. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government regarding exceptional cases being examined for slurry spreading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46934/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) is the lead Department in relation to the nitrates regulations. The closed period for slurry spreading as provided for in the regulations commenced on 15 October. Taking account of the high rainfall in the lead up to the commencement of the closed period, the DHPLG and my Department recognised that there may be some concerns for animal welfare. Farmers with such concerns were advised to contact the Nitrates Section of my Department by 14 October. Farmers wishing to avail of flexibility for spreading slurry were advised:

- To spread only that volume  of slurry necessary to ensure adequate storage capacity for the remainder of the closed period.

- That any spreading should occur as soon as good spreading conditions exist.

- That the Nitrates Section of my Department will subsequently contact the farmers to confirm the dates  on which this additional spreading takes place.

Approximately 600 farmers out of a total of 109,000 bovine farmers in the State contacted my Department to indicate they may not be able to complete the spreading of slurry by the beginning of the closed period. We are in the process of confirming how many of these 600 farmers have had to avail of this limited flexibility.  These farmers will be prioritised for inspection by Local Authorities to ensure that minimum storage requirements are in place. 

We are currently negotiating the next Nitrates Action Programme and Nitrates Derogation and it is critical that these negotiations progress and we avoid the difficulties encountered in other Member states such as Holland. In this context and to ensure the protection of water quality, this course of action is deemed necessary; those farmers with the required storage capacity availing of this flexibility should not have reason for concern.

As regards farm safety and slurry, both Departments stress the importance of farmers ensuring that safety is their number one priority as toxic gases are released when slurry is agitated and one breath at this time can cause instant death. All of those working with slurry should be aware of the dangers involved and make sure they work safely at all times.