A GLAS application for the person named was received on my Department’s online application system on the 19th May 2015. Almost 27,000 applications were submitted in the first tranche of GLAS applications, which is a testament to the level of interest which this new scheme has generated in a very short time. All GLAS applications received on or before the closing date of the 26th May 2015, including the application of the person-named, will now be assessed and approved in line with the terms and conditions of the Scheme, confirming also all priority environmental assets such as Special Areas of Conservation which have been claimed by applicants. This process must be carried out as a single exercise, comparing and ranking all applications against each other. Accordingly, I am unable to comment on individual applications at this point in time.
All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their applications and I anticipate contracts commencing in October.