Healy Rae calls on Minister not to ban splash plates

KERRY TD Michael Healy Rae has criticised the proposed ban on splash plates for spreading slurry, questioning the practicality and financial viability of the proposed measures.

Deputy Healy Rae voiced his concerns to the Minister for the Environment Denis Naughton.

The ban represents an effort to curtail ammonia emissions in the country.

Agriculture in Ireland is responsible for 98% of these emissions. The EU has set a target of 19% less ammonia in 2030 compared with 2010.

The Kerry Deputy says: “We are told that Agriculture is responsible for 98% of Irish Ammonia from cattle slurry, however what is being proposed is completely impractical and will be extremely financially damaging to farmers and contractors.”

He said “the use of dribble bars which is what we are being told we have to use is extremely impractical considering the type of land and terrain farmers have to spread slurry on.”

Michael Healy Rae explained to the Minister his strong concerns and also the IFA are in agreement in resisting this proposal.

He said he disagreed with some in the sector on it: “I disagree with the Association of farm & forestry contractors who are open to the phasing out of splash plates and I think they are out of touch with their members in not resisting this proposal”