Farmers are told not to fear a marked increase in Mayo County Council inspections
Inspections of farms in Mayo will dramatically increase this year.
Mayo County Council has urged farmers not to fear an escalation of water pollution inspections by the local authority.
Following EU directives, the council is expected to carry out more than 100 inspections on farms across the county this year compared to just 22 inspections undertaken in 2023. Next year, the local authority plans to conduct more than 150 inspections.
Local authority scientists Leo Brogan and Liam Rabbitte delivered a presentation on the process to members of the council’s Environment Strategic Policy Committee last week. Mr Rabbitte told farmers not to fear inspections.
“We are the sons and grandfathers of farmers we understand the pressures,” he remarked, adding that should any issues arise, reasonable timeframes will be put in place for farmers to address problems.
The meeting heard that cross-compliance consequences in terms of breaches by farmers will only be taken in very serious cases and as a last resort.
“Our main priority is engaging with the farmers. We don’t want to go out there handing out red cards, left right and centre,” said Mr Brogan.
The council reports to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and investigates farmland, cattle sheds, sheep sheds and agricultural complaints. Mr Brogan said the main issues being seen by council inspectors relate to general farm housekeeping, poaching (outwintering cattle), silage storage, guttering, manure storage, slurry collection and storage, soiled water and storage and control of chemicals and fuels.
