How close can a farmer apply organic fertiliser to a dwelling?
There are no regulations specifying the distance within which landspreading of organic fertiliser can occur in relation to a dwelling.
The European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2014 specify buffers in relation to water supplies and/or watercourses and streams.
Where houses have a private well, organic fertiliser or soiled water shall not be applied to land within 25m of any borehole, spring, or well used for the abstraction of water for human consumption (greater buffer distances of 100m and 200m apply to larger scale abstractions).
Further details are contained in Explanatory Handbook for Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations, 2014.
If you have any concerns in regard to such activity you should contact your local authority.
Who should I contact regarding the disposal of asbestos?
What is asbestos? Asbestos is a natural fibrous material. There were three types of asbestos commonly used. These are blue asbestos (crocidolite) brown asbestos (amosite) and white asbestos (chrysotile).
Why was it used? Asbestos was used because it is resistant to heat and chemicals and is strong yet flexible. It was therefore widely used as a building and insulation material. Asbestos is no longer used and therefore only items, which have been in place for, or was purchased before 1980, may contain asbestos. If you are in doubt as to whether an item contains asbestos treat it with care and seek expert advice to identify it.
What are the risks? The only risk from asbestos when damaged or if drilled or sawed etc. It is at this point when fibres are released into the air. Due to its fibrous nature, it can be breathed in and penetrate deep into the lungs. This can lead to asbestosis, and possibly lung cancer. The general rule is that if you have asbestos and it is not damaged, it is safest to leave it in place. The risk to health from undamaged asbestos is very low.
Where is Asbestos found? Asbestos may be found in the following areas around the home:
One of the most common forms of asbestos found is corrugated sheeting – this is mainly used as roofing material for garages and sheds.
Relevant Information
If you think you have come across asbestos in your home or office and you're unsure about whether the material contains asbestos, don't take any chances. Seek expert advice from asbestos monitoring/surveying companies, which are listed in the Classified Telephone Directory.
A specialist contractor should be engaged to carry out work on asbestos products or to demolish asbestos products, particularly those that are worn or damaged.
In the case of asbestos products where the fibres are tightly bound (for example, in asbestos cement roofs), and the material is in good condition, specialist asbestos removal contractors may not always be necessary.
Always take precautions, and contact the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for advice:
Health and Safety Authority
The Metropolitan Building,
James Joyce Street
Dublin 1
Tel. (01) 6147020 or 1890289389
Fax. (01) 6147020
Further information can be found at:
What are single-use plastic products?
Single-use plastic products include a wide range of commonly used plastic items that are expected to be used just once, or for a short time, before being thrown away. They are rarely recycled and are prone to becoming litter. Single-use plastic products include: beverage containers and cups, lightweight plastic carrier bags, food containers, plastic cutlery and plates, plastic straws, beverage stirrers, packets and wrappers made from flexible material containing food intended for immediate consumption, cotton bud sticks, tobacco products with filters, wet wipes, balloons, sticks to support balloons and sanitary products.