New planning exemptions will cut red tape and reduce costs for farmers – Cummins & Heydon

A series of planning exemption regulations will be brought into effect today which will allow farmers to increase slurry storage capacity and construct additional housing for cattle without the need to seek planning permission.

Minister of State for Planning and Local Government John Cummins will sign new regulations today that will cut red tape, reduce cost and enable farmers to invest quickly to meet environmental standards.

Minister Cummins prioritised bringing forward these particular agriculture exemptions following a public consultation on the updating of Exempted Developments which have not been updated in almost 25 years.

The changes are:

• To increase the size of animal housing under Class 6 of Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended by 50%. 200 sqm to 300sqm for a structure to house animals.
• To increase the aggregated total from 300 sqm to 450 sqm for animal housing per farm holding.
• To allow for a stand-alone slurry storage tank of up to 1000 cubic metres, subject to a total farm storage of 1500 cubic metres.

Minister Cummins said: “These changes represent a practical, balanced step to support the sustainability of Irish agriculture. I am removing unnecessary administrative barriers that have caused delays and added costs particularly for family farms.

“These measures are about common sense and good planning. Adequate slurry storage is critical for protecting water quality and improving nutrient management. Likewise, modern and well-designed animal housing supports higher standards of animal welfare.

“These changes do not remove oversight or responsibility. 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.

“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.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon T.D. said: “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.”

“At the start of this year I made the renewal of Ireland’s nitrates derogation a top priority and we recently secured a welcome continuation of the derogation. These new thresholds will assist farmers in their ongoing commitment to playing their part in improving water quality.”