Farm Waste Management.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2005

Thursday, 27 January 2005

Questions (13)

Seymour Crawford

Question:

11 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount her Department has spent in the farm building programme on areas such as pollution control, cattle housing and dairy hygiene for each of the past ten years; if she is satisfied that sufficient funds are available in 2005 in view of the fact that farmers will have to provide increased storage capacity for effluent and slurry due to the new EU directive; her plans to increase the grants available to a realistic level; when she will announce same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1770/05]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Total expenditure under the farm waste management schemes in the past ten years amounted to €264 million, while total expenditure under the dairy hygiene schemes amounted to €56 million. I will provide the Deputy separately with a breakdown of these amounts on an annual basis.

Almost €39 million has been allocated in 2005 for the farm waste management scheme. I am confident that such will be adequate to cover work undertaken by farmers this year under the scheme.

The issue of possible increases in the grant levels under the farm waste management scheme is under consideration following receipt of the Brosnan report.

As the Deputy is aware, the Irish authorities are in consultation with the European Commission with a view to finalising agreement on the action programme submitted for implementation of the nitrates directive.

Final decision on possible increases in grant levels will be taken when the action programme has been agreed and we have a clear understanding of the requirements involved for Irish farmers.