Agri-environmental Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2010

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Questions (1552)

Pat Breen

Question:

1643 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No 390 of 25 May 2010, the number of applications received nationally for entry to the agri-environmental options scheme; the number of applications received from County Clare; the number of farmers whose applications have been approved to date, nationally and from farmers in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32470/10]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

A total of about 9,200 applications were received for the Agri-Environment Options Scheme, including 426 from County Clare. Letters of approval have issued to almost 6,000 applicants, of which 266 are in Co Clare. My officials are giving priority to processing the remaining applications with a view to issuing further approvals as soon as possible.