Pressure on Longford farmers sparks debate over farm inspections

Concerns over the health and livelihoods of Longford farmers became a strong talking point within the chambers of Longford County Council recently after a councillor called for the authority to present a report on how they are enforcing environmental regulations, particularly those affecting farmers. 

In proposing the motion, Cllr Turlough McGovern added that “consideration, compassion and support must be provided to farmers” amid external pressures such as Mercosur and internal pressures such as Derogation/Nitrates.

He also asked that farmers be given more than 48 hours notice of an inspection. 

Cllr Gerry Hagan agreed and said farmers from his area had been in touch with him to say “they hadn’t received even 48 minutes notice on any visits, let alone 48 hours.” 

He told the chamber, “I definitely support what Council McGovern said. Maybe a little bit more than 48 hours before they come in with the big stick and find problems from the get go."

"Farmers in Ireland are actually farming very environmentally friendly and any of us who are involved in agriculture can testify to that.” 

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“We're all very aware of the environmental impacts associated with the different types of farming practices we’re engaging in so I would definitely like to see a bit more flexibility in relation to the time and the notification."

"The Department of Agriculture carries out inspections several times a year on farms throughout the country and they also inspect in relation to environmental mishandling situations on farms, and from my experience of this, it’s the small minority of farmers who are engaging in agricultural malpractice that are never caught or stopped from their malpractices."

"So I think a little bit of leniency in relation to the notification is paramount. As Cllr McGovern said, at this time of year, farmers are up to their eyes with the different things."

"They're engaged in calving cows and so on, so a little bit more leniency in relation to the 48 hours, I would welcome that.” 

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In response, Longford County Council (LCC) said they “recognised the significant pressures currently facing the farming community and remain committed to undertaking its environmental responsibilities in a fair, courteous, and professional manner, in line with the Council’s Customer Services Charter.”

Addressing Cllr McGovern’s reference to the pressure from Derogation/Nitrates inspections, the council said the farm inspections were necessary to protect water quality and to show the EU that Ireland is enforcing its farming pollution rules.

They explained that to help protect water quality, the Water Action Plan 2024 had set a national target of approx 4,500 farm inspections each year across Ireland and that inspections are carried out on a risk-based assessment only, with the focus on farms in areas where agriculture is considered a higher risk to rivers and lakes. 

The council stated that in 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asked Longford County Council to carry out at least 77 inspections. The council completed 78. The same target of 77 inspections has been set for 2026.

During the inspections, the council checks that farmers are following the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) rules, which are designed to prevent pollution from farms entering waterways. 

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Farmers are normally given at least 48 hours’ notice before an inspection, and if problems are found the council will ask for them to be fixed and may take further action if necessary.  

They added that the council’s inspection programme was also supported by a range of complementary initiatives, “including sheep worrying campaigns, the development and promotion of GAP guidance material, engaging with local Teagasc representatives for improved cooperation, attendance at the Longford Agricultural Show, and the delivery of Knowledge Transfer (KT) Talks.”

The council explained they are currently working with farmers through information campaigns and training talks about environmental rules and good farming practices and that so far, more than 100 farmers had attended these sessions in areas such as Dromard, Granard, Bunlahy, Ardagh, and Kilcogy.

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Cllr McGovern countered that the issue was that 48 hours was often not enough notice for farmers and asked that the council try to give a bit more time.

Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi said it was important farming families were supported as much as possible to be able to make a livelihood, “If they're looking for additional time, I think that should be considered,” she said.  

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme 

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