Planning exemption limits for slurry tanks and livestock sheds to increase
The draft regulations will allow farmers to build animal housing up to 300sqm, an increase from 200 sqm, and to build stand-alone slurry tanks of up to 1,000 cubic metres (subject to a total farm storage of 1,500 cubic metres). File picture
Draft regulations to increase planning exemptions for slurry storage and the construction of additional housing for farm animals are to be prioritised in changes to the planning rules.
The draft regulations will allow farmers to build animal housing up to 300sqm, an increase from 200 sqm, and to build stand-alone slurry tanks of up to 1,000 cubic metres (subject to a total farm storage of 1,500 cubic metres).
The aggregated total livestock housing per farm exempted will also increase from 300sqm to 450sqm.
The new exemptions were included in the Department of Agriculture’s submission to the public consultation on Exempted Developments.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will examine all submissions made.
Housing Minister James Browne said: “Slurry storage and housing for animals are two examples of structures which, with clear and proper guidelines followed and in place, should not need to use up the valuable time of our planners and the planning system.
"This includes the construction or upgrading of their storage. This storage can better and more efficiently manage slurry as a nutrient resource, essential for the vital work to manage and improve water quality.”
Minister of State for Planning and Local Government John Cummins added: “I have engaged with the farming community and understand the urgency of ensuring we make these exemptions so farm families can continue to develop their businesses and livelihoods in rural Ireland.
“These regulations, once signed, will support the farming sector by making it easier to expand slurry storage and housing for animals.
"We are giving farmers the flexibility to plan for the future while continuing to protect water quality, and these steps will assist in ensuring that our Nitrates Derogation can be maintained.
“The removal of the need for planning permission at appropriate locations for these farm structures will also reduce the regulatory burden on farmers.”
The draft regulations are currently undergoing environmental consideration, and once complete, the draft regulations will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
An appearance will then be arranged before the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with positive resolutions required from both Houses of the Oireachtas before any exempted development regulations can be signed into law.
As with all exempted developments, if an environmental impact assessment or an appropriate assessment of the development is required, planning permission will be required.
