New slurry storage rules to impact Irish farmers
Irish farmers must prepare for tighter slurry storage regulations coming into effect in October 2028. These changes will require increased capacity to protect water quality and optimise nutrient use across key counties including Laois, Kildare, and Offaly.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
Adequate slurry storage is essential for farmers to apply organic fertiliser under suitable soil and weather conditions, helping to safeguard water quality and preserve vital nutrients. As Aideen Cooper, Walsh Scholar at Teagasc Portlaoise, highlights, sufficient storage capacity also reduces pollution risks and offers farmers greater flexibility in nutrient management.
Currently, slurry storage in counties such as Laois, Kildare and Offaly must accommodate approximately 1,160 gallons per cow for 16 weeks, based on 0.33 cubic metres per cow per week. However, from 1 October 2028, this requirement will increase to around 1,400 gallons per cow, reflecting a rise to 0.40 cubic metres per cow per week. This means an additional 240 gallons per animal will be necessary, with farmers advised to calculate needs according to peak livestock numbers and consider the impact of rainfall and soiled water entering tanks.
Soiled water volumes will also see a rise of over 40%, increasing from 0.21 to 0.30 cubic metres per cow weekly. This water includes parlour washings, runoff from dirty yards, and other farmyard contaminants. Clean rainwater should be kept separate to avoid reducing slurry tank capacity. Regular maintenance of gutters, downpipes and channels is crucial to divert unnecessary water away. Farmers can access TAMS grants to support nutrient storage upgrades and low emission slurry spreading equipment, and are encouraged to consult their local Teagasc adviser for help with calculations and compliance ahead of the 2028 deadline.
Currently, slurry storage in counties such as Laois, Kildare and Offaly must accommodate approximately 1,160 gallons per cow for 16 weeks, based on 0.33 cubic metres per cow per week. However, from 1 October 2028, this requirement will increase to around 1,400 gallons per cow, reflecting a rise to 0.40 cubic metres per cow per week. This means an additional 240 gallons per animal will be necessary, with farmers advised to calculate needs according to peak livestock numbers and consider the impact of rainfall and soiled water entering tanks.
Soiled water volumes will also see a rise of over 40%, increasing from 0.21 to 0.30 cubic metres per cow weekly. This water includes parlour washings, runoff from dirty yards, and other farmyard contaminants. Clean rainwater should be kept separate to avoid reducing slurry tank capacity. Regular maintenance of gutters, downpipes and channels is crucial to divert unnecessary water away. Farmers can access TAMS grants to support nutrient storage upgrades and low emission slurry spreading equipment, and are encouraged to consult their local Teagasc adviser for help with calculations and compliance ahead of the 2028 deadline.
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