• Best practice six-point SILAGE advice issued to curb agri run-off into waters
  • In 2022, IFI staff carried out almost 2,000 inspections in agricultural settings

Inland Fisheries Ireland has appealed to farmers to help protect Ireland’s rivers and lakes from agricultural pollution during the silage season.

Livestock manure and other organic fertilisers, silage effluent, and soiled water are highly damaging substances, and on entering a watercourse can kill fish and severely impact their habitats.

IFI is advising farmers to follow its six-point SILAGE plan for optimum silage and slurry spreading etiquette to reduce the risk of polluting rivers and lakes:

  1. S. Spread slurry during dry weather only, and never when a period of heavy rain is forecast.
  2. I. Investigate if silage pits are properly sealed to prevent the entry of water, and/or if there is leakage from underneath the slabs. 
  3. L. Lead slurry away from a watercourse when working the land. Be aware of the slope of the field, and respect the buffer zones near a river, lake, stream or shoreline.
  4. A. Avoid cleaning slurry tankers/spreading equipment close to a stream, river or lake.
  5. G. Generate good yard cleaning hygiene – to curb effluent and soiled washings from inadvertently flowing to a watercourse
  6. E. Engage with the statutory requirements by ensuring that adequate storage capacity for slurry, soiled water, and silage effluent, meet the regulations.

Farmers are asked to contact their local IFI office before carrying out works in or near any watercourses.

In 2022, IFI staff carried out 1,986 inspections in agricultural settings to help identify environmental risks, and prevent damage to the local aquatic environment and valuable fish populations.

IFI, the State agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, reminds farmers and members of the public they can report instances of pollution, fish kills or illegal fishing nationwide by calling its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.