Farm effluent under inspection in Limerick
A survey four years ago showed that three of the country’s highest phosphorous levels were in rivers in Co Limerick. Farm inspections in the Deel catchment area in west Limerick are almost complete, and inspectors will soon switch attention to east Limerick.
Limerick IFA chairman Michael Roche said public meetings are being held by the county council to keep farmers informed. Inspections are being carried out by appointment with farmers.
“As far as I am aware, there have been no major problems on farms,” he said. “They are requesting that gutters be put on buildings where there is a problem, because they want all rainwater diverted away clean where that is possible, they don’t want dirty water going into the waterways.”
However, at a Limerick IFA meeting, Simon White, Askeaton, noted, “A lot of farmers are very worried that their SFP will be affected if they fail an inspection by the county council.”
IFA chairman Michael Roche said,“Limerick county council is entitled to visit you on water quality, the EPA is also in charge, there is the Department of Agriculture, and the fisheries, and there is a risk of passing with one inspector and failing with another. I don’t know where that leaves the farmer.”
