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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 7

Written Answers. - REPS Modifications.

Brian Cowen

Question:

274 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the progress, if any, made on discussions at EU level on amending the REP scheme to deal with the problem of overgrazing in view of his speech to the Committee on Sustainable Development on 5 July 1995; the steps, if any, that have been taken regarding this problem since last July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3535/96]

The European Commission approved my proposals for a number of modifications to REPS in October 1995.

These modifications included improved incentives in designated degraded commonage areas. As a result, farmers in these areas, who join REPS, now have a number of improved payment options, which are geared towards creating sustainable farming systems and under which farmers can increase income by reducing sheep numbers. As a result of the improved incentives, the original obligation to remove all sheep from these areas from 1 November to 30 April is now optional, the destocking limit of 30 per cent has been removed and a new group incentive has been introduced.
My Department, in conjunction with Teagasc, recently held a series of information meetings to explain the improved incentives to the farmers in these areas. A list of the areas to which this measure applies is attached for the Deputy's information.
The improved incentives under REPS will help resolve the problem of overgrazing in these environmentally sensitive areas and I would urge farmers in such areas to look closely at the new options available under REPS.
List of Lands Designated Under Supplementary Measure 2.
All lands held in Common Ownership within the following District Electoral Divisions.

Mayo

Kilgarvan

Attymass East

Sallymount

Attymass West

All DEDs and islands West of line from Killala to Lough Mask (includes the following DEDs along that line).

Lackan North

Burren

Ballycastle

Islandeady

Kilfian West

Killavally

Kilfian South

Tawnynagry

Crossmolina North

Ballyovey

Crossmolina South

Cappaduff

Addergoole

Ballinahalla

Sraheens

Owenbrin

Pontoon

County Donegal

Ardmalin

Greenasmear

Fanad North

Fintown

Fanad West

Glenleehan

Rossguill

County Leitrim

Glencar

Glenaniff

Glenade

Sramore

Aghalateeve

Lurganboy

Aghanlish

Cloonologher

Aghavoghill

Galway
All DEDs and islands West of the Corrib (includes the following DEDs adjoining the Corrib).

Clonbur

Wormhole

Cong

Tullokyne

Letterfore

Moycullen

Oughterard

Furbogh

County Kerry

Brandon

Cloghane

County Sligo

Rossinver East

Mullagruse

Glendarragh

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