Independent Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice has called for changes to grazing restrictions applying to farmers participating in the Geese and Swans measure under ACRES.
Deputy Fitzmaurice is seeking greater flexibility around the date on which participating land must be closed to livestock, amid concerns over grass availability on farms.
Under the ACRES Geese and Swans action, participating grassland is managed to provide an undisturbed foraging area for overwintering geese and swans.
The measure generally requires participating parcels to have an average sward height of between 5cm and 12cm by October 1st.
Livestock and machinery are then excluded from the relevant parcels between October 1st and March 31st.
Deputy Fitzmaurice has called on Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon to examine whether greater flexibility can be provided this year in light of current grazing conditions.
The issue comes as farmers in parts of the country continue to manage grass supplies following dry conditions earlier in the year.
Teagasc has advised farmers affected by grass shortages to assess available supplies, protect new regrowth and continue supplementary feeding where necessary to allow autumn grass covers to recover.
