South Down MLA Andrew McMurray praises Rivers Trust Solar Pump Demonstration
Andrew McMurray MLA attended an event organised by the Rivers Trust to demonstrate how solar pasture pumps can be used on farms for the benefit of livestock health, farm efficiency and water quality.
The event took place on 10thApril at Castlewellan Community Hall and Slieve Croob Farm and was well attended by local farmers from the Castlewellan and Dundrum areas.
Solar pumps can help provide a reliable source of water to livestock while keeping them out of the river, which prevents bank erosion and allows the banks to be planted out.
All of this helps prevent pollutants from entering the water course, improve the river’s environmental status, and protects livestock from injury.
The South Down MLA said: “The Rivers Trust’s latest report showed that not a single stretch of river in Northern Ireland is in good overall health.
“No single sector is solely to blame, but, as the turnout at today’s event shows, farmers are more than willing and keen to innovate in order to help the environment and reap the practical and economic benefits that technologies like these solar pumps can provide.
“I know from speaking to the farmers who were in attendance that there is a desire to implement such measures in order that they can do their bit to improve the water environment.
“There is also a very practical issue to this in that it helps move water efficiently and economically around the farm, rather than having to physically transport water cubes or such like.
“It can also reduce costs as it removes the need for water mains.”
Mr McMurray concluded: “Today’s event was full, which shows the interest in such solutions. I’m pleased that The Rivers Trust are planning to have more events like this in the future in response to this demand. They will also be able to advise on potential funding opportunities ”
Picture 1 shows
Picture 2 shows local farmers during a solar pump presentation by John Moag from Flux Enviro.
