Limerick City and County Council has reminded farmers and farm workers that the deadline for slurry spreading is fast approaching.
From Friday, October 15th, 2021, you will be no longer permitted to spread slurry on your lands.
The closed period runs from October 15th, 2021, to January 15th, 2022.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council said:
“During the winter period when grass growth ceases (or is sub-optimal), the application of slurry to lands poses a significant risk to waters from nutrient run-off.”
“Where a case relating to inappropriate slurry spreading is brought to the council’s attention, Limerick City and County Council will be obliged to investigate the matter.”
Breach of regulations
“Where, upon investigation, a case is deemed to be in breach of the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations – also known as The European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2017 (as amended) – the council will be obliged to report the matter to the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine.”
In such circumstances, a significant fine may be imposed, the council added. “Slurry tanks must be fully emptied by Friday, October 15th.”
Also, you are advised to check that extraneous waters is not directed to the tank. This can result in a significant reduction in slurry storage capacity.
Furthermore, Limerick City and County Council also advises farmers to talk with their agricultural contractor to ensure they carry out all slurry spreading operations in compliance with the above regulations.
“Slurry shall be spread only when ground conditions are suitable and where heavy rainfall is not forecast within 48 hours of spreading slurry.”
“The use of the umbilical system shall not be used to spread slurry when the soil is saturated or where spreading conditions are likely to pose a risk to waters.”
Other articles:
- Residents file complaint over manure spreading ‘odour’: Read this article
- Slurry spreading: What you need to know
- What should I pay for slurry and muck spreading? – see rates
- Slurry gas kills, it is as simple as that – Read
