Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed is being urged to extend the deadline for slurry spreading in Ireland.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture Charlie McConalogue made the call after many farms in Ireland are still waterlogged.

The deadline is Saturday, 15 October.

Deputy McConalogue said: "While I appreciate that the Nitrates Directive is in effect, Minister Creed must talk with his European counterparts to secure some flexibility for farmers whose land has been severely damaged as a result of recent weather conditions. Farmers must see that the government is doing everything within its power to extend the current deadline.

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"I understand that farms in Northern Ireland have been given an exemption to spread slurry past this deadline once they can provide a reasonable explanation for an extension. I am urging Minister Creed to argue for a similar exemption for farmers here."

(CD/LM)