Pat Breen
Question:1555. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when forestry payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25457/16]
View answerFriday, 16 September 2016
Questions (1555)
Written answers
The person in question planted a 6.93 hectare woodland in 2012 under the Native Woodland Scheme. Under the Scheme, applicants who plant new native woodlands are eligible to a grant towards the cost of establishing the woodland, and annual premiums to cover income foregone. The grant is payable in two instalments. The first instalment of the grant is payable when the planting and associated works are complete. The second instalment is payable 4 years later on condition that, inter alia, the woodland has been protected and maintained in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Scheme. Payment of the first instalment of the grant was made in November 2012.
The application for payment of the second instalment of the establishment grant was received by my Department on 18th August 2016. The application has been referred for inspection to ensure that the woodland has been protected and maintained in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Scheme. If the inspection confirms that the woodland has been protected and maintained, and if all other conditions of the Scheme have been complied with, payment of the grant will be issued.