A reminder has been issued to farmers that the slurry spreading season is now closed.
A notice from Waterford City and County Council, stated that Waterford farms (located in Zone A) are not permitted to apply chemical fertiliser until January 27, 2026.
For organic manures (excluding farmyard manure), the closed period for slurry application ends on January 12, 2026.
Inspectors from Waterford City and County Council’s Environment department will be performing patrols throughout the closed period.
Any identification of slurry being spread on lands during the closed period will be cross reported to DAFM under conditionality.
It is also an offence under S.I. 113 of 2022 European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations; Schedule 4.
Issues caused by out of season spreading may also be subject to a prosecution under this act.
