Planning exemption to increase slurry storage will help with nitrates derogation – Lynch

Farmers will be able to increase slurry storage capacity and construct additional housing for cattle without the need to seek planning permission in a matter of weeks, said a Fine Gael Senator.

Senator Eileen Lynch said this announcement from Ministers Martin Heydon and John Cummins has prioritised bringing forward agriculture exemptions that many farmers across the country have been calling for following a public consultation.

“It’s great to see that draft regulations for animal housing and stand-alone slurry storage facility on farms are being finalised”, said Senator Lynch.

“This exemption would allow for a stand-alone slurry storage tank of up to 1000 cubic metres, subject to a total farm storage of 1500 cubic metres. ⁠Increasing slurry storage capacity will greatly assist with Ireland’s nitrates derogation.

“The specifications of these new exemptions were included in the Department of Agriculture’s submission to the public consultation on Exempted Development. It would also see an increase in the size of animal housing, as amended by 50%, 200 sqm to 300sqm for a structure to house animals and an increase in the aggregated total from 300 sqm to 450 sqm for animal housing per farm holding.

“Fine Gael has listened to the farming community on the need to accelerate exempted developments for farmers that will cut red tape, reduce costs and enable farmers to invest quickly to meet environmental standards”. 

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said: “The introduction of these planning exemptions will introduce for the first time a threshold for stand-alone slurry storage facilities and increase the threshold for animal housing by 50%. This will assist farmers investing in their enterprises, helping to improve water quality and animal welfare while reducing regulatory burden.

“I welcome Minister Cummins efforts to accelerate this process having worked closely with him to deliver on this key commitment to support our retention of the nitrates derogation.”

Minister John Cummins said: “I have engaged with the farming community and understand 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 and these steps will assist in ensuring that our nitrates derogation can be maintained.

“The removal of the need for planning permission at appropriate locations for these farm structures will also reduce the regulatory burden on farmers.”