"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.

Concerns

"I understand the concerns within the pig and poultry sectors to the ending of these transitional provisions and in particular the requirement of more lands for the recycling of these manures," said Minister Creed. Following discussions with the IFA and the Department of Housing, which is in charge of water-related regulations, he said the decision to allow the use of pig slurry imported on farms this year to count towards 2018 limits would minimise the impact for the sector, together with continued promotion of pig slurry as a valuable fertiliser including through GLAS-supported low-emission technologies.

Cattle and pig slurry – valuable sources of N, P, K

Pig slurry carryover allowed in 2017-2018

Following the end of transitional arrangements under nitrate regulations on 31 December, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has announced one final flexibility measure for the coming year.