The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and full payments totalling €237.98 and €3,565.56 issued in respect of 2010 and 2011 respectively.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The application of the person named was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 19th September 2012. During this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme were noted in relation to the Planting of New Hedgerow and Water Trough Installation actions which resulted in a penalty being imposed. A letter issued to the person named informing him of this penalty and giving him the option to appeal the decision. As no record of an appeal has been received, my Department is now processing the application of the person named to apply the penalty and payment will shortly issue on this basis.