Irish pig farmers' fears over environmental legislation

Irish pig farmers could face "a double layer of regulation" if planned changes to environmental legislation are carried out, it has been claimed.

The Irish Farmers' Association said that a proposed redrafting of the European Union's (EU's) Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive would benefit Irish poultry farmers, reports the Independent.

However, the group suggested that pig farmers could be left facing extra costs, as well as increased bureaucracy, if the amendments are carried out.

Ireland east MEP Mairead McGuinness supported the claims, warning that pig producers could face additional charges of around €25,000 (£23,500) per permit application.

She explained that the changes would increase double regulation on farmers because they would apply to areas that were already covered by the nitrates and water framework directives.

Ms McGuinness claimed that the proposals should therefore be amended in the second reading to make them more favourable for pig production.

The planned changes to the directive are part of a range of EU steps to help minimise exposure to air pollution, including the Clean Air for Europe initiative which sets out new objectives and measures to help improve air quality.