"Pig slurry imported during the closed period of 2017 will count towards 2018, 170kg and nutrient limits," Minister Creed told the Dáil this week. "This will provide a valve to allow slurry to be carried over to the following year from 2017."Restrictions have gradually been introduced on the use of pig and poultry manure and spent mushroom compost since the first Nitrates Action Programme of 2006, but their implementation was slowed down in 2010 to take into account the dioxin crisis and high feed prices at the time. It was decided that transitional arrangements, including a gradual move towards compliance with phosphorus limits, would end in 2016.