Nitrates Directive move by Coughlan

IRELAND is likely to seek special EU permission from the European Commission for slurry storage grant aid to farms with fewer than 20 livestock units, if they have to invest in extra capacity in order to comply with the Nitrates Directive.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan told the Dáil that amendments to the waste management scheme must await resolution of Nitrates Directive discussions with the EU.

Replying to Seymour Crawford, TD (FG), the Minister said the 20 livestock units issue is a European matter.