Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2015
139. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria that will apply for applicants under the green low-carbon agri-environmental scheme in relation to commonages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6493/15]
View answerFirstly I would like to point out that my priority is to put in place requirements for commonages that will deliver real and measureable environmental benefits and will fit within the framework of the Rural Development Regulations. In order to put in place an implementation strategy which will deliver these benefits, I have consulted widely with the hill-farmer representatives and I am confident that the plan now in place will deliver what is needed. It is clear that the sustainable management of our commonages must be carried out in a cohesive and integrated manner in order to achieve the required environmental objectives. The best mechanism to do so is a common plan, drawn up by one Advisor who takes the individual circumstances of each shareholder into consideration and assigns stocking levels appropriate to the individual farmer, with in the context of the overall needs of the commonage. Ideally, at least 50% of active shareholders would participate in the plan but I am aware that in some areas this could present difficulties, which is why it will not be a barrier to entry. In addition, a farmer will apply individually to join GLAS on the commonage or commonages on which they farm.
My focus now is to secure Commission approval of the Rural Development Programme at the earliest possible date so that I can open GLAS to applications.
