Teagasc unveils new farm water quality checklist
Teagasc has introduced a practical checklist to help farmers identify and address water quality risks before Local Authority inspections. This tool aims to improve compliance with environmental standards across Irish farms ahead of the National Agricultural Inspection Programme.
Practical guidance for farmers
The checklist encourages farmers to conduct a thorough walkaround of their farmyard, examining key areas such as slurry and soiled water storage, farmyard manure, silage pits, and the separation of clean and soiled water. It highlights common risk points including damaged gutters, contaminated runoff, and inadequate effluent collection.
Farmers can complete the checklist independently or with an advisor’s help. A useful recommendation is to inspect the farm during wet weather to better observe water flows and possible runoff to drains.
Supporting compliance and water protection
Stan Lalor, Director of Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc, emphasised the importance of water quality protection, noting that 43% of farms inspected in 2025 did not meet Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards. He stated, “This checklist provides a clear, structured means for farmers to identify and resolve issues before they cause pollution.”
Noel Meehan, Head of Water Quality Knowledge Transfer, added that the checklist prompts detailed checks on slurry, manure, and effluent storage, helping farmers manage risks effectively.
Ray Cullinane, Programme Manager at the EPA’s Office of Environment Enforcement, praised the initiative, stressing the importance of prevention and good environmental management. He described the checklist as a valuable tool for farmers to understand their obligations and maintain regulatory compliance.
Additional resources and events
The checklist is intended as a preparatory guide and does not replace a full Local Authority inspection. It is available for download on the Teagasc website, alongside further information on water quality management.
Teagasc will host the Water Quality Conference 2026 on Tuesday, 24 November in Killenard, County Laois. One session will focus on increasing compliance with the National Agricultural Inspection Programme. The full conference programme is accessible online.