Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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265. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review the current calendar-based system for the spreading of slurry in light of changing weather patterns and spells of very intense rainfall associated with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26165/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters (GAP) Regulations, (S.I. 113 of 2022 as amended), sets out the periods when application of manures to land is prohibited.

The GAP Regulations also set out the circumstances when soiled water, organic or chemical fertilisers must not be applied to land. This includes, when the land is waterlogged, flooded or likely to flood, or when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours.

In 2016, Teagasc's Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) published the findings of a 4-year assessment of nutrient losses from five different intensively managed Irish agricultural catchments. This research validated the need for the closed periods. It identified that during the winter months there was a significantly greater proportion of nutrients being lost from agricultural land to water even when farmers were adhering to the closed period.

This published research by Shore et al. can be accessed at: www.teagasc.ie/environment/water-quality/agricultural-catchments/publications/papers-all-years/#d.en.55879 .

Where there are unseasonably wet periods this ACP research also identified higher than normal nutrient losses. This validates the requirement for farmers to also adhere to the GAP Regulation requirements regarding circumstances when nutrients must not be applied during the open period.

As highlighted by the recently published EPA Report "Water Quality in 2023 - An Indicators Report" the levels of nitrate and phosphorous in many of our waters are too high.

From an agricultural perspective we need to all work together to reduce the loss of nutrients to water. Full compliance with the GAP Regulations must be a key element of this.

Ensuring application of fertiliser and organic manure at appropriate times and conditions is a key action in Teagasc's recently launched 'Better Farming for Water – 8 Actions for Change.’ This multi-actor advisory campaign will further support farmers to make the right decisions and reduce nutrient losses.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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266. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant aid funding is available for anaerobic digesters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26174/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Anaerobic Digestion has a critical role to play in the coming years. The National Biomethane Strategy was approved last month. A successful Biomethane industry will assist farmers with the decarbonisation of agriculture, while also providing diversification opportunities for farmers. Notwithstanding this, it will also have a significant role to play in contributing to energy security, as well as the decarbonisation of the energy system by displacing approximately 10% of fossil gas by 2030.

A capital grant of €40 million is available to kickstart an agri-led biomethane industry. AD plants currently operating to produce biogas will be eligible for capital support to upgrade their facilities to produce biomethane and other biobased products, along with new AD plants. While all sustainable feedstocks will be eligible to apply for this initial capital funding, a key aim of the initial grant support will be to develop an agri-led AD plant.

Expressions of interest for this grant scheme is now open and my Department have partnered with SEAI to oversee the administration of the grant to ensure efficient delivery of the scheme. The expression of interest window closes this week, and I would encourage anyone who wants to apply for the grant to complete this form as soon as possible. An application form will be sent to anyone that meets the initial criteria in the Expression of Interest.

I am hugely optimistic about the direction and the potential of Biomethane production over the next decade and beyond. I look forward to engaging with all stakeholders to make the National Biomethane Strategy a success.