The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has called on Government to urgently push forward with plans to exempt slurry tanks within specified storage thresholds from planning permission rules.
The association’s environment chair John Murphy stated that the proposals must be signed into law before end of the current Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes III (TAMS) tranche, adding that the plans have been on the table for over a year.
The proposals would create a new planning exemption – as part of a first update to exempted development rules in 25 years – for nutrient storage tanks of up to 1,000m³ subject to a total additional capacity of 1,500m³ per farm.
“Tranche 10 of the TAMS is currently open for applications but will close on 5 December, so there is a massive urgency for the regulation to be approved so farmers can apply in 2025,” Murphy said.
Progress and clarity
“While it is encouraging to see progress and clarity, the exemption must be enacted without delay so farmers can avail of TAMS, so as to accelerate on-farm investment in nutrient storage, a vital step to enable farmers to continue to improve water quality.
“Clear, straightforward guidelines are essential to avoid unnecessary cost or bureaucracy.
“A simple planning exemption application process will give farmers the confidence to invest in extra nutrient storage, safeguard water quality and fully utilise this valuable organic nutrient resource,” he added.
The draft regulations are undergoing environmental assessment before they are introduced to the Oireachtas.
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