Broiler and layer production in Ireland combined account for approximately 2% of Ireland’s national ammonia emissions (EEA, 2015).
Poultry production in Ireland is predominantly in the form of intensive agriculture. Broiler production involves raising chickens in large houses for 35 – 40 days, after which they and the manure that has built up are removed from the house.
Layer birds are housed continuously throughout the year and manure is removed via conveyor belts. As
the farms are located in discrete locations, any atmospheric ammonia produced by poultry manure during production is considered a point source of atmospheric ammonia.
As a point source, the concentration around these houses is more likely to exceed limits designed to protect sensitive habitats and species at a local level, compared to diffuse sources such as cattle housing or land spreading of manure.