Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 June 2013
189. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria used in each county for selecting applicants for the agri-environment option scheme 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28112/13]
View answerThe approval of applicants was determined by the following priority selection criteria:
- Applicants within a targeted area of the Boora region of Co. Offaly who select Wild Bird Cover Option B (Grey Partridge) will get first access,
- Applicants with eligible Natura land will get access next,
- Applicants with at least 0.5 hectares of Utilisable Agricultural Non-Natura Commonage land rank next,
- Farm Partnerships,
- Previous Participation in REPS,
- Farm Size (Favouring smaller holding) based on the utilisable agricultural area,
- Location of farms in Less Favoured Areas.
Approximately 4,500 applicants selecting Grey Partridge, Natura and Commonage actions were approved into the scheme and the remaining 1,500 applicants selected had all previously participated in REPS and had a reference area of 22.06 ha or less on their 2012 Single Payment Scheme application.
