Speaking about the announcement, Minister Coveney said these statements are of benefit to farmers and advisor planning for the year ahead.

"Intensive grassland farmers are allowed to exceed the general limit of 170 kg of nitrogen per hectare per year from livestock manure on their farm, up to a limit of 250 kg, provided that they have an approved derogation," he said.

In addition to the figures being available online, text messages are also issued to famers between 150 and 250 kgs of nitrogen per hectare and who are registered with the Department for text alerts.

Written statements will be issued to herdowners in breach of the 170/250 kg limits.

The derogation only applies to grazing livestock, and to qualify a farm must be 80% grassland. To avail of the derogation, there must be a full set of soil tests for every 5ha of land and a nutrient management plan (NMP) in place.

Applying

Farmers with higher stocking rates are again reminded to consider applying for the Nitrates Derogation. Applications can only be submitted online this year. Farmers who are interested should consult their advisor. The closing date for submission is 31 March.

Farmers not already registered for agfood.ie can do so by logging onto www.agfood.ie. To register for text alerts, click here for the sign-on form, or contact yourr regional office.