Written answers
Tuesday, 16 April 2024
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Agriculture Schemes
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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545. To ask 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 beyond June 2024, given challenging weather and ground conditions due to the incessant rainfall and the need to close up lands for winter forage as soon as weather conditions improve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16125/24]
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware in October last year I announced important flexibility to the spreading date under the National Liming Programme. This 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.
In order to address this, in March I announced a further 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. I do not envisage any further extension to the spreading date.
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