The leader of the Rural Independent Group of TDs, Deputy Mattie McGrath is repeating a call on the Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to further extend the slurry spreading deadline. The Minister’s recent one-week extension until October 8th falls significantly short of addressing the issue according to Deputy McGrath.
The Tipperary TD says ground conditions are not suitable to allow farmers to spread Organic Manures before October 8th. In addition, with rain forecast and contractors under pressure Deputy McGrath says Sunday’s deadline is not sufficient and appeals for a further one-week extension at the very minimum.
The TD says farmers will face difficulty over the coming months if they cannot empty or significantly reduce their slurry stocks in advance of housing livestock for the next 4-5 months.
