Donegal County Council is to increase the number of farm inspections it carries out next year in areas where agriculture has been linked to poor water quality.
The council’s Environmental Officer, Paul Gallagher, told Tuesday’s meeting of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District (MD) that almost 150 surveys will have been carried out by the end of this year. However, he said, this figure will increase to 215 in 2025.
Mr Gallagher also told the meeting there were ‘no breaches’ recorded across the MD and there was ‘excellent water quality’ in the current bathing season.
“I can report that no serious incidents took place this year,” he said.
The council recently commenced a programme of farm inspections, under the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations, focusing on areas of the county where agriculture has been linked to poor water quality.
These inspections focus on farmyards, slurry and soiled water storage capacity, fertiliser use and minimisation of soiled water. Farmers receive advance notice through the post and will be given at least a week to prepare for the inspection.
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