Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’ Donovan, has called on the Minster for the Environment Phil Hogan to consider further extending the time period allowed for the spreading of fertiliser and slurry.
Deputy O’ Donovan has called on the Minister to further extend the deadline in view of the extremely wet weather conditions we have been experiencing across the country and particularly in the Mid-West. The Minister previously extended the cut-off date from the 15th to end of October.
“The rainfall that we have witnessed across the country and in particular in Limerick has been greater than the national average for this time of year. The last two weeks have been particularly wet, with the result being that it has been impossible for many farmers to go onto land in this weather as the ground is completely saturated”.
“Haven spoken to farmers across Limerick it is clear that many are reaching capacity levels in there slurry storage units as a direct result of their cattle having to be kept in for most of the year. It makes only sense to further extend the period as failures do so will no doubt have animal welfare repercussions”.
“I would be hopeful that a further extension can be secured, it would alleviate the much stress and worry that farmers are under at present. It has been an extremely difficult year for farmers which can be mainly attributed to the unfavourable weather conditions we have experienced”.