To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any assessment that has been made of the effectiveness of the slurry spreading closed period, in improving water quality.

The closed period for slurry spreading is implemented by the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) Regulations which are reviewed and amended where necessary on a four yearly basis to ensure they remain effective.

A comprehensive scientific review of the current closed period for slurry spreading was carried out by Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in 2020 which concluded that the current evidence base supports the closed period as the most effective strategy for minimising the risks associated with slurry spreading from 15th October to 31st January.

The fourth ongoing NAP review is based on this scientific evidence and proposes that the current closed spreading period dates remain effective for the region.