Written answers
Tuesday, 26 September 2023
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Agriculture Industry
Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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443. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider setting up a specific dedicated phone helpline in the nitrates section of his Department to assist and prioritise farmers who are facing extreme wet conditions, especially in County Wexford, given the havoc created in the timescale allowed for the spreading of slurry on their farms and causing animal welfare concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41389/23]
Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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452. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the slurry spreading deadline of 1 October 2023, to enable farmers to spread when conditions allow, in view of the extremely wet weather conditions in parts of the country over the past six to eight weeks, which have prevented the spread of slurry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41504/23]
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 452 together.
I recognise that unseasonable weather conditions experienced this summer and within the last two weeks, have impacted trafficability and provided limited opportunities for possible slurry applications across many parts of the country.
Having considered the scientific criteria to determine whether the period for slurry spreading can be extended beyond the 30thof September, in consultation with my colleague Darragh O’Brien T.D, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, it was agreed on the 21st of September to extend the slurry spreading period by seven days.
The closed period for slurry spreading will therefore commence on the 8thof October 2023.
This is in line with the maximum period that can be granted at present based on the published criteria.
The need for any possible further extension will be considered in due course as the current weather situation evolves and in line with the published criteria available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f44d-good-agricultural-practice-regulations-exemption-criteria-for-the-closed-period-and-shallow-cultivation/
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