Minister of State for Planning and Local Government John Cummins will sign new regulations this Thursday which will allow farmers to increase slurry storage capacity and construct additional housing for cattle without the need to seek planning permission.

Class 6 developments, which cover the majority of farm buildings, will now see an increase of 50% on the area which can be developed without planning permission (300m²), while up to 1,000m³ of slurry storage can be created with this exemption (subject to a total farm storage of 1,500m³). The gross aggregate area has also increased from 300m³ to 450m³ per farm holding.

Speaking on the matter, Minister Cummins noted “these measures are about common sense and good planning. Adequate slurry storage is critical for protecting water quality and improving nutrient management.

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Likewise, modern and well-designed animal housing supports higher standards of animal welfare. These changes do not remove oversight or responsibility.

Regulations

All developments will still be required to meet building regulations, environmental protections and all relevant agriculture standards. What I am doing is streamlining the process so farmers can make timely, responsible investments in their holdings without being tied up in planning procedures.

“I have engaged with the farming community with Minister Heydon and understood the urgency of ensuring we make these exemptions so farm families can continue to develop their businesses and livelihoods in rural Ireland.

“By making it easier to expand slurry storage and housing for cattle, we are giving farmers the flexibility to plan for the future while continuing to protect water quality.”

Diligence

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon said: “I want to recognise the commitment and diligence of my colleague Minister Cummins in delivering this welcome initiative for farmers.

“For the first time there will be a planning exemption for stand-alone slurry storage and an increased threshold for animal housing of 50%.

“This will support farmers investing in their enterprises to improve water quality and animal welfare while reducing administrative burden. It is positive for the environment and for the pocket.”

Exemptions will be dependent on meeting the other existing requirements, and where an environmental impact assessment or an appropriate assessment of the development is required, full planning permission will continue to be required.