Farmers must not be penalised by increased inspections following the introduction of new slurry rules, the IFA has warned.

As revealed by the Irish Farmers Journal on Monday, farmers who cannot spread slurry before the closed period begins on 15 October can apply for permission to spread afterwards on a case-by-case basis.

However, farmers who apply for the special extension will be “prioritised for inspection in the immediate future to ensure compliance with the nitrates regulations”.

IFA environment chair Thomas Cooney, has called on the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Local Government to review their plans to introduce an inspection regime for farmers who need to manage manures over the winter.

Increased inspections

He warned that the farmers who applied must not be subject to increased inspections and penalties.

“Farmers, particularly in the northwest, have had to endure very difficult farming conditions and continue to act responsibly by not spreading manures at this time. This must not now lead to increased inspections and penalties.”

There have been fears that the case-by-case slurry extension will not alleviate problems on farms.

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