The Minister for the Environment and Local Government has primary responsibility for the quality of drinking water in Ireland.
However, the objectives of the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, operated by my Department include the establishment of farming practices and production methods which reflect the need for environmental conservation and protection.
REPS is a voluntary scheme and all participants must carry out their farming activities in accordance with an agri-environmental plan for the holding which complies with the scheme conditions and specifications. This plan sets out a nutrient management programme for the total area of the farm and also lays down conditions regarding the application of slurry and fertilisers.
REPS has recently been revised to include a supplementary measure, which provides support for farmers who are required to comply with certain environmental guidelines under the EU habitats and birds directives or who have to reduce their stocking rates to allow for the regeneration of degraded commonages. Farmers in the areas in which this new measure will apply, i.e. natural heritage areas (NHAs), including special areas of conservation, SACs, special protection areas, SPAs and all commonages, will be able to avail of compensation at the following rates: 242 euros-hectare up to and including the first 40 hectares; 24 euros/hectare for areas over 40 hectares and up to and including 80 hectares and 18 euros/hectare for areas over 80 hectares and up to 120 hectares max.
Applicants under the nationally funded schemes for the control of farmyard pollution and improvement of dairy hygiene standards, which I expect to introduce shortly, will be required to have a nutrient management plan in place in order to qualify for grant aid.
