Farm inspections in Co Kildare announced
Photo for illustrative purposes only
FARMERS in Kildare are being advised that farmyard and farmland inspections are being carried out by Kildare County Council throughout 2026, in accordance with the EPA National Agricultural Inspection Programme.
Obviously, with over 2,500 farms with an average size of 44Ha (110ac) in the county it would be impossible to cover them all, so inspectors will prioritise those in closest proximity to watercourses.
“Agriculture is the main land use in Kildare and is one of the main activities which can have an impact on water quality in the county,” said a council spokesperson.
“However, if good farming practices and farm management is carried out in accordance with the relevant guidance and legislation, protection of water quality can be achieved.
“Such practices can include maintaining buffer setback distances from waterbodies, ensuring adequate slurry storage is available and only spreading fertilizers during the open season for spreading”.
The National Agricultural Inspection Programme uses a risk-based approach to reduce agricultural pressures on water quality, particularly in areas where waterbodies are significantly impacted by agricultural activities.
Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme is designed to prevent pollution of surface waters and groundwater from agricultural sources and to protect and improve water quality.
The government has published Ireland’s fifth Nitrates Action Programme 2022-2025, which came into effect in March 2022.
