merrion street

Ministers agree a 7-day extension to the slurry spreading period

In light of the recent wet period of weather and considering the scientific criteria to determine whether the period for slurry spreading can be extended beyond the 30th of September, Darragh O’Brien T.D, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in consultation with Charlie McConalogue T.D, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has agreed to extend the slurry spreading period by 7 days.  This is in line with the maximum period that can be granted at present based on the published criteria.

The closed period for slurry spreading will therefore commence on the 8th of October 2023.

Announcing the decision, Minister McConalogue stated: “I recognise that unseasonable weather conditions experienced this summer and within the last week, have impacted trafficability and provided limited opportunities for possible slurry applications by farmers and contractors.”

Minister McConalogue pointed out: “Slurry is a valuable source of nutrients and is best utilised using low emission slurry spreading and especially in spring when growth and weather conditions are typically favourable for utilising nutrients and limit run-off and emissions to the environment.” The Minister added,  “The majority of slurry has been spread well in advance of the closed period and this must be acknowledged and indeed commended. This limited extension will allow farmers spread any remaining slurry in the best conditions available to them.”

Given the need to deliver on our commitments to improving water quality, it is fundamental slurry is applied under the right conditions and at the right time of year. It is critical that farm practices deliver on water quality. Farmers are reminded to observe Buffer Zones that apply at this time of the year.

This decision has been made in accordance with the provisions set out in Article 19 (1) of SI No. 113 of 2022 (as amended).

Notes for Editors

In accordance with the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations, (SI 113 of 2022 as amended), the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in consultation with the Minister for Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine last year agreed and published criteria to determine whether the period for slurry spreading can be extended beyond the 30th of September.

These scientific criteria were developed to ensure that any risk to water quality would be considered and that any delay in the closed period would only be granted where an assessment of the criteria indicates that a delay in the closed period does not represent a threat to water quality.  These criteria are published at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f44d-good-agricultural-practice-regulations-exemption-criteria-for-the-closed-period-and-shallow-cultivation/