Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
1375. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the difference between raised bog and Atlantic lowland blanket bog under the definitions set out in the basic payment and the areas of natural constraints schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34882/19]
View answerThe 2015 “Guide to Land Eligibility” sets out that non-agricultural area is not eligible land for the purposes of the Basic payment Scheme and the Areas of Natural Constraints scheme. Raised bog is not considered to be agricultural area and is therefore not eligible for payment under these schemes.
Blanket bog can be considered as agricultural area and is eligible for payment, provided it is in a state suitable for grazing and there is evidence of an agricultural activity during the year of the claim and the other scheme conditions are met. In all cases, the area must be reduced to take account of ineligible features in the parcel e.g, scrub, wet areas, fenced off areas, etc.
