Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has been asked to "urgently review" the dates of the closed periods for slurry and fertiliser spreading.

TD Michael Cahill has called for a "common sense review" on the spreading deadline amid the ongoing drought.

The Kerry TD said that the prolonged dry spell has left many farmers unable to make full use of this year's growing season.

Cahill, who is a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food - brought into that committee to replace Danny Healy-Rae - said that he has been contracted by a large number of farmers who have described the challenges they have dealt with.

"The current regulations provide for a closing date of September 15 for chemical fertiliser and October 1 for slurry spreading. However, after months of drought and very little grass growth, many farmers feel these deadlines simply do not reflect the reality they are dealing with," the Fianna Fáil TD said.

"The concern being raised with me is that grass and crop growth has been significantly reduced during the summer," he added.

Cahill also claimed that farmers are "increasingly frustrated" by what he called "conflicting advice throughout the year".

"Farmers are rightly told not to spread slurry during periods when land is saturated to protect water quality. Yet this year they have also faced prolonged dry conditions where spreading has been far less effective," he said.

"They are asking a fair question, if they cannot spread when the ground is too wet and now face fixed closing dates despite an unprecedented drought, when are they expected to make best use of their nutrients," he added.

Cahill insisted that any extension to the spreading period would "not be about weakening environmental protections".

He said that a two-week extension to the open period for spreading fertiliser and slurry would be sufficient.

"Farmers need certainty now. They are making decisions for the weeks ahead, and I am urging the minister to provide clarity as soon as possible so they can plan with confidence," Cahill said.

According to the TD, he has asked the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to speak to Teagasc and farm organisations about a possible extension of the open period.

"I believe the government should carefully consider introducing a two-week extension to the current deadlines, following engagement with Teagasc, farming organisations and other stakeholders, while ensuring environmental standards continue to be upheld," Cahill said.