Johnny Mythen
Question:575. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if CAP funds will be limited to €60,000 for corporate farm enterprises and wealthy landowners (details supplied). [13234/20]
View answerCommon Agricultural Policy
Questions (575)
Written answers
The CAP post-2020 legislative proposals set out a number of measures relating to distribution of payments. These include a proposal to implement a mandatory overall cap of €100,000, as well as degressivity, or gradual reductions, for payments above €60,000. The capping proposal would apply to all farmers and not just those who may choose to operate as a company.
Ireland has previously indicated its willingness to implement capping. Under the current CAP regulations, Ireland has already applied the maximum level of degressivity allowable for basic payments over €150,000.
My Department is carefully considering all aspects of the CAP proposals to assess their potential impact on applicants. While the different elements of the capping proposal are part of the draft CAP proposals, the issue of its mandatory application to direct payments is being considered as part of the overall budgetary discussions under the Multiannual Financial Framework. These negotiations are ongoing and are running in parallel to the CAP post-2020 negotiations.
We still have some way to go before agreement is reached on both sets of proposals. I will continue to work effectively with my European colleagues, with the Commission and with the European Parliament, to shape these proposals into an effective new CAP and secure the best possible outcome for the Irish agri-food sector.
Common Agricultural Policy
Questions (576)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:576. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to change the proposed objective in the new CAP 2021-2027 relating to GAEC2 from appropriate protection of wetland and peatland to retention and maintenance of the area of permanent grassland on farmed peatlands and wetlands, in view of the definition of strictly protected areas and the proposed quantity of them as outlined in the EU biodiversity strategy published on the 20 May 2020 and the definition of strict nature reserves in the International Union for Conservation of Nature categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12702/20]
View answerWritten answers
The CAP post-2020 proposals are detailed and complex, and negotiations are ongoing. While significant progress has been made, decisions on a number of key issues have still to be made, particularly when it comes to the proposed CAP Strategic Plan Regulation. One of these issues is the proposed new green architecture, which is aimed at achieving a higher level of climate ambition.
With regard to wetlands, Ireland already provides strict and rigorous protection to wetlands through our planning legislation. Under the proposed CAP Strategic Plan Regulation, a new conditionality is introduced with a number of standards in relation to keeping land in good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC), including a new GAEC2 aimed at protecting wetland and peatland ecosystems. As negotiations are still ongoing, this text is still subject to change. Ireland has requested clarification of the meaning of “protection”, and this will help to inform the implementation of measures at farm level.
As regards links to the EU Biodiversity strategy, the strategy aims to increase the protected areas of land and sea across Europe to 30%. However, these are European-wide rather than individual Member State targets, and further clarity is awaited as to how these targets will be met by Member States.
The International Union Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the global authority on status of nature and its conservation and works in support of the Ramsar convention on wetlands. Ireland is a signatory to the convention. In 2010 the Irish Ramsar wetlands committee was set up by the government to assist Ireland in meeting its commitments as a signatory. Membership of this committee is drawn from a range of relevant Departments, agencies, scientific and technical institutions, regional and local authorities and non governmental organisations.
My Department is in broad consultation with all relevant stakeholders regarding preparation of the CAP Strategic Plans. The recent publication of the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy will have an impact on the future CAP, and the targets and actions set within them will need to be reflected in Member States’ CAP Strategic Plans. My Department officials and I will continue to actively participate in the CAP post 2020 process both at national and European level to secure the best possible outcome for the Irish agri-food sector, including the continued protection of wetlands and peatlands.
Beef Industry
Questions (577, 578)
John Brady
Question:577. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of the 78,000 of beef farmers that are finishers. [12720/20]
View answerJohn Brady
Question:578. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which small beef farmers will benefit from the recent announcement that €50 million will be allocated to support beef finishing farms in view of the fact many small beef farmers are not finishers. [12721/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 577 and 578 together.
The €50 million Beef Exceptional Aid package is targeted towards beef finishers in recognition of the fact that they have borne the most immediate and severe economic impact arising from the market disturbance arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting finishers will have a positive impact on suckling and store buying enterprises, as it will help to maintain the market into which these operators sell, primarily in the autumn.
In terms of supports specifically for suckler farmers; in addition to the €300 million Beef Data and Genomics Programme, which is the core Rural Development Programme support targeted at suckler farmers, and other supports such as the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme which is very significant to suckler farm incomes, the 2020 Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme - Sucklers (BEEP-S) is targeted specifically at suckler farmers and aims to enhance the operational, economic and environmental efficiency of suckler enterprises.
My Department, having consulted with farming stakeholders, is currently working out the detailed terms and conditions for the scheme, which will be published in due course.
The economic rationale which underpins the scheme will be published in due course in the notification to the EU Commission for inclusion of the measure under the COVID temporary state aid framework.
In 2019 approximately 57,500 farmers sold one or more finished bovine animals for slaughter.
Felling Licences
Questions (579)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:579. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a felling licence for persons (details supplied). [12778/20]
View answerWritten answers
An application for a tree felling licence was received from the person named in January, 2020. Every application for a forestry licence must undergo careful assessment for the potential effects the proposed operations may have on their own or in combination with other plans or projects in the area.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department made changes to the assessment procedures used when examining all forestry licence applications. These changes were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC). These findings meant that, in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. These changes, which are substantial, have led to delays in processing applications. My Department has devoted considerable time and energy to introducing a robust and workable system and is now recruiting significant extra resources, both ecologists and forestry inspectors, to address the backlog.
On initial examination of this application, it was determined that 13 designated sites were proximate to the tree felling site. The possibility that the proposed tree felling may have an impact on any one of these sites cannot yet be excluded. Therefore, officials of my Department will complete the Appropriate Assessment report and determination. It is also open to the person named to have a Natura Impact Statement completed by a suitably qualified person at their own expense and submit it for review by my Department’s Ecology Unit which can considerably speed up consideration of the file.
Once the assessment of the application is complete, the forestry inspector will make their recommendations, which will form the decision on the application. The decision will be issued to the person named and any person who made a submission on the application.
Land Issues
Questions (580)
Michael Moynihan
Question:580. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Ireland does not use the land parcel definition of permanent grazing under established local practices which is used in other EU countries; when this decision was taken; the reason for this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12789/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has, since the outset of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in 2015, included PG-ELP (Permanent Grassland, Established Local Practices) in the definition of permanent grassland as allowed under Article 4(1)(h) of Regulation 1307/2013.
This specific option relates to the eligibility of permanent grassland where grasses and other species do not predominate. In an Irish context this primarily relates to heather dominated pastures used for extensive grazing of livestock, typically sheep and cattle.
The Guide to Land Eligibility booklet sent to all applicants at the outset of the BPS scheme sets out the characteristics of permanent grassland, including PG-ELP, for it to be deemed eligible for payment.
Basic Payment Scheme
Questions (581)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:581. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a penalty by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12791/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Terms and Conditions of the Basic Payment Scheme, an applicant, as well as meeting the scheme criteria, must comply with EU regulatory requirements relating to Cross Compliance.
A report detailing findings of a check carried out by my Department's Agri Environment Structures Division on 29 March 2019 was referred to my Department's Cross Compliance Unit for attention. This report detailed breaches relating to the cross compliance requirements in respect of Statutory Management Requirement (SMR) 1, which relates to Nitrates.
The breaches resulted in a 20% penalty being applied against the 2019 Direct Schemes payments. The person named was notified of this decision on 9 August 2019 and of their right to seek a review of the findings. A review was sought and the outcome was to uphold to the original decsision. The person named was notified of this decision by letter on 15 June 2020.
If the person named is dissatified with the outcome of this review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months of the date of the review outcome letter.
Forestry Grants
Questions (582)
Michael McNamara
Question:582. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive a response to a broadleaf forestry grant and licence application that was submitted in October 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12849/20]
View answerWritten answers
Two applications for the Afforestation Grand and Premium Scheme, were received from the person named in November, 2019. Every application for a forestry licence must undergo careful assessment for the potential effects the proposed operations may have on their own or in combination with other plans or projects in the area.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department made changes to the assessment procedures used when examining all forestry licence applications. These changes were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC). These findings meant that, in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. These changes, which are substantial, have led to delays in processing applications. My Department has devoted considerable time and energy to introducing a robust and workable system and is now recruiting significant extra resources, both ecologists and forestry inspectors, to address the backlog.
On initial examination of the applications, it was determined that the proposed sites for both applications are proximate to 11 designated sites. The possibility that the proposed afforestation may have an impact on any one of these sites cannot yet be excluded. Therefore, officials of my Department will complete the Appropriate Assessment report and determination. It is also open to the person named to have a Natura Impact Statement completed by a suitably qualified person at their own expense and submit it for review by my Department’s Ecology Unit which can considerably speed up assessment of the application.
Once this work is complete, the forestry inspector will make their recommendations, which will form the decision on the application. The decision will be issued to the person named and any person who made a submission on the application. The decision may be appealed to the Forestry Appeals Committee within 28 days.
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme
Questions (583)
Jackie Cahill
Question:583. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter will be clarified for a person (details supplied) who was unable to source cattle to meet the stocking rate; if they still qualify for the ANC payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12882/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Terms and Conditions of the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme require applicants to meet minimum stock retention and stocking density requirements.
Changes to the terms and conditions of the scheme were introduced for the 2020 scheme year whereby donkeys could only account for 50% of an applicant’s stocking requirements under the scheme. With effect from 2020, applicants are required to use other livestock to fulfil the other 50% requirement.
The introduction of this change was detailed in the 2019 Terms and Conditions of the scheme which issued to applicants in February 2019. This was to ensure that applicants had sufficient time to make the necessary adjustments to their farming practices to meet the amended requirements coming into effect for the 2020 scheme year. In order to meet the remaining 50% of their stocking density applicants can use sheep, goats, horses, or deer.
All applicants to the scheme in 2020 must comply with all requirements as set out under the scheme terms and conditions in order to be eligible to receive payment under the ANC scheme in 2020.
In line with previous scheme years, applicants who encounter specific issues relating to their individual circumstances may submit an appeal in writing to my Department, providing any relevant supporting documentation.
Fishery Harbour Centres
Questions (584)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:584. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a case (details supplied) will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12900/20]
View answerWritten answers
Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre is a designated Fishery Harbour Centre (FHC) which is owned, operated and maintained by my Department under statute.
The case referred to is a complex one involving more than one interested party and has been prioritised by my Department. A number of complicated legal issues have now been resolved, with the assistance of the Chief State Solicitor’s Office who have been in correspondence with the solicitors for the persons referred to by the Deputy.
My Department is now awaiting the return of recently exchanged legal documents with the parties involved so that matters can now be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
Forestry Grants
Questions (585)
Cathal Crowe
Question:585. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant funding is available to farmers that wish to replant felled forestry in their ownership with native broadleaf saplings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12930/20]
View answerWritten answers
In general, there are no reforestation grants available on clearfell, as the realisation of the timber asset is considered more than adequate to cover the cost of replanting. However, under certain conditions replanting grants are made available as part of the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme. Under this scheme the conversion of existing conifer forests to native woodland are eligible for grants of up to €5,000 per hectare. Private forest owners are also eligible for an annual premium payment of €350 per hectare for 7 years.
In order to receive this funding the conifer forest must be adjoining a sensitive watercourse, where native woodland establishment can contribute to the protection of water quality and aquatic habitats and species. Water sensitive areas include Freshwater Pearl Mussel catchments, fisheries sensitive areas, Acid Sensitive Areas, and high status waterbodies identified under the Water Framework Directive. Where a marketable quantity of timber is realised from the felling operation, the quantity (in cubic metres) of timber must be documented and details submitted to my Department, together with evidence of timber-related income (including invoices and receipts). My Department may reduce the grant payable accordingly, reflecting the value of the timber realised and (where relevant) the normal costs associated with standard replanting.
Applications under the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme must be made before clearfelling takes place and applicants must ensure that a valid felling licence is in place for any felling carried out under the scheme.
Horticulture Sector
Questions (586)
Carol Nolan
Question:586. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an analysis has been conducted on the impact on the horticultural sector following a decision by Bord na Móna decision to suspend all peat harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13016/20]
View answerWritten answers
The extent of any commercial impact on the horticulture sector arising from a decision by Bord na Mona to suspend all peat harvesting will depend initially on the level of domestic stocks of horticultural peat on hand, alternative suppliers of peat and the development of alternative growing mediums.
The amenity, soft fruit and mushrooms sectors are the most reliant on milled horticulture grade peat. My Department is participating in a cross-departmental working group led by the former Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht which is evaluating the use of peat in the commercial horticulture sector. Future options around the role and use of peat in the horticulture sector are currently under discussion in the working group.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (587)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:587. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure that the €50 million announced for those farmers severely impacted by the economic effects of Covid-19 goes to the beef farmer that fattens the cattle and not the agents or marts; if funding will also be provided for suckler cow farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13053/20]
View answerWritten answers
The €50 million Beef Exceptional Aid package is targeted towards beef finishers in recognition of the fact that they have borne the most immediate and severe economic impact arising from the market disturbance arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting finishers will have a positive impact on suckling and store buying enterprises, as it will help to maintain the market into which these operators sell, primarily in the autumn.
In terms of supports specifically for suckler farmers; in addition to the €300 million Beef Data and Genomics Programme, which is the core Rural Development Programme support targeted at suckler farmers, and other supports such as the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme which is very significant to suckler farm incomes, the 2020 Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme - Sucklers (BEEP-S) is targeted specifically at suckler farmers and aims to enhance the operational, economic and environmental efficiency of suckler enterprises.
My Department, having consulted with farming stakeholders, is currently working out the detailed terms and conditions for the scheme, which will be published in due course.
Beef Environmental Efficiency Scheme
Questions (588)
Jackie Cahill
Question:588. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the case of persons (details supplied) regarding BEEP 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13074/20]
View answerWritten answers
The objective of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Suckler is to further increase economic and environmental efficiency in the suckler herd through better quality data on herd performance, supporting decision making on farm and support of best practice in welfare management.
The closing date for receipt of applications for this programme was 15 May 2020. Applications could only be made via my Department’s online application system at www.agfood.ie. Travel restrictions would not have prevented the persons named from submitting an application and accordingly a late application cannot be accepted in this case.
Beef Industry
Questions (589, 590)
Brian Stanley
Question:589. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider including Northern Ireland as part the Bord Bia protected geographical indication application for Irish grass-fed beef from the European Commission; and if not, the reason for the position. [13127/20]
View answerBrian Stanley
Question:590. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement he has had with his Northern Ireland counterpart regarding the Bord Bia protected geographical indication application for Irish grass-fed beef from the European Commission. [13128/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 589 and 590 together.
I have not had any discussions with my Northern counterpart on this issue.
I am informed that the application referred to by the Deputy for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for “Irish Grass Fed Beef” is being made by Bord Bia on behalf of the Irish beef sector. PGI status requires products to be produced in accordance with a particular technical specification and producers are required to meet that specification. This is in addition to the legal requirements applying to food production in EU Member States.
I understand that the draft application proposes that the controls already in place for the Bord Bia Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (SBLAS) will be used as part of the control regime to verify production of ‘Grass Fed Irish Beef’. Beef farmers in Northern Ireland are not members of the SBLAS.
Felling Licences
Questions (591)
Alan Kelly
Question:591. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a felling licence application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13150/20]
View answerWritten answers
An application for a tree felling licence was received from the person named. Every application for a forestry licence must undergo careful assessment for the potential effects the proposed operations may have on their own or in combination with other plans or projects in the area.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department made changes to the assessment procedures used when examining all forestry licence applications. These changes were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC). These findings meant that, in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. These changes, which are substantial, have led to delays in processing applications. My Department has devoted considerable time and energy to introducing a robust and workable system and is now recruiting significant extra resources, both ecologists and forestry inspectors, to address the backlog.
On initial examination of the application it was determined that the proposed site is within the Slieve Felim and Silvermines Mountain SPA, which is designated for Hen Harrier. There is a possibility that the proposed tree felling operations could affect the hen harrier, particularly during the nesting season. The person named has submitted a Natura Impact Statement, which has been forwarded to my Department’s Ecology Unit for examination. I have asked that the application is prioritised.
Once this work is complete, the forestry inspector will make their recommendations, which will form the decision on the application. The decision will be issued to the person named and any person who made a submission on the application. The decision may be appealed to the Forestry Appeals Committee within 28 days.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (592)
Joe O'Brien
Question:592. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to providing grants for farmers and growers that adopt hydroponic or vertical farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13153/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides grant aid for the horticulture sector through the scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector.
This scheme grant aids capital investments in specialised plant and equipment as well as emerging technologies specific to commercial horticulture production, including hydroponics and vertical farming. Under this scheme, aid at a rate of 40% (or a maximum rate of 50% in the case of young farmers) is payable on the accepted cost of approved capital investments or equipment. For 2020 €6 million has been allocated to this scheme, which is 100% funded by the Irish Government and operates on a competitive basis, based on the availability of funds and the ongoing priorities for each sector within the industry as well as the quality and scale of the proposals.
Forestry Grants
Questions (593)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:593. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a forestry application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13216/20]
View answerWritten answers
An application for the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme was received on behalf of the person named in November 2019. The application is complex as the proposed site is close to designated sites, including Castlemaine Harbour SAC and a stretch of the Gweestin River, which is a high-status watercourse. The site also contains or is near to archaeological features and artefacts.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department made changes to the assessment procedures used when examining all forestry licence applications. These changes were introduced in response to important Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decisions and their subsequent interpretation by the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC). These findings meant that, in order to grant licences which fully meet environmental requirements, fundamental changes to the licensing system were unavoidable. These changes, which are substantial, have led to delays in processing applications. My Department has devoted considerable time and energy to introducing a robust and workable system and is now recruiting significant extra resources, both ecologists and forestry inspectors, to address the backlog.
The possibility that the proposed afforestation may have an impact on the designated sites cannot yet be excluded. Therefore, officials of my Department will complete the Appropriate Assessment report and determination. It is also open to the person named to have a Natura Impact Statement (NIS), completed by a suitably qualified person at their own expense and submit it for review by my Department’s Ecology Unit which can speed up consideration of the file.
Once the assessment of the application is complete, the forestry inspector will make their recommendations, which will form the decision on the application. The decision will be issued to the person named and any person who made a submission on the application. The decision may be appealed to the Forestry Appeals Committee within 28 days.
GLAS Issues
Questions (594)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:594. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount paid in GLAS payments by county in 2019; the number of farmers in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13222/20]
View answerWritten answers
There are currently 48,443 active participants in the GLAS scheme. 97.7% of 2019 scheme year payments have been made to date.
My Department continues to work with both farmers and their advisors to ensure that any issues are resolved, and outstanding payments are made as quickly as possible.
GLAS 2019 scheme year payments (including GLAS plus) to date by county are as follows:
|
County |
GLAS 2019 scheme year payments (including GLAS plus) to date |
|
Carlow |
€ 2,204,186.55 |
|
Cavan |
€ 7,761,658.03 |
|
Clare |
€ 13,328,113.40 |
|
Cork |
€ 16,271,995.92 |
|
Donegal |
€ 16,324,449.19 |
|
Dublin |
€ 368,603.98 |
|
Galway |
€ 23,776,444.82 |
|
Kerry |
€ 14,426,477.64 |
|
Kildare |
€ 1,732,597.03 |
|
Kilkenny |
€ 3,402,737.33 |
|
Laois |
€ 3,242,916.46 |
|
Leitrim |
€ 8,184,319.44 |
|
Limerick |
€ 7,491,100.21 |
|
Longford |
€ 4,871,699.68 |
|
Louth |
€ 1,202,181.46 |
|
Mayo |
€ 21,742,841.46 |
|
Meath |
€ 3,527,236.41 |
|
Monaghan |
€ 4,001,407.45 |
|
Offaly |
€ 4,396,140.12 |
|
Roscommon |
€ 11,460,010.43 |
|
Sligo |
€ 7,150,078.95 |
|
Tipperary |
€ 8,996,059.91 |
|
Waterford |
€ 2,500,784.04 |
|
Westmeath |
€ 4,912,096.94 |
|
Wexford |
€ 5,568,236.50 |
|
Wicklow |
€ 2,974,053.95 |
|
TOTAL |
€ 201,818,427.30 |
GLAS Issues
Questions (595)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:595. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount paid for measures in 2019 (details supplied) nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13223/20]
View answerWritten answers
The table below shows GLAS payments for scheme year 2019 in respect of the GLAS actions requested by the Deputy:
|
Action |
|
|
Bat Boxes |
€2,660,778.55 |
|
Bird Boxes |
€1,213,347.55 |
|
Commonage |
€19,817,952.13 |
|
Coppicing of Hedgerows |
€5,330,468.22 |
|
Farmland Habitat (private natura ) |
€6,031,550.67 |
|
Laying of Hedgerows |
€1,941,868.70 |
|
Low-emission Slurry Spreading |
€2,225,891.90 |
|
Low-input Permanent Pasture |
€67,176,878.06 |
|
Planting New Hedgerows |
€5,594,105.71 |
|
Traditional Dry Stone Wall Maintenance |
€5,250,149.21 |
|
Traditional Hay Meadow |
€17,704,338.97 |
|
Wild Bird Cover |
€15,828,418.77 |
Forestry Data
Questions (596, 597)
Catherine Murphy
Question:596. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of commercial forests, woodlands and parklands under the operation of Coillte nationwide by location; the locations accessible by entry fees only; the revenue raised by entrance fees in each of the past three years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13236/20]
View answerCatherine Murphy
Question:597. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the revenue raised by entrance fees to Donadea forest park in the past two years to date; the reason for entry fees to some management land maintained by Coillte and not others; the use made of revenue raised from entry fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13237/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 597 together.
Coillte is operationally independent of my Department and matters such as the management of their forest estate are the responsibility of the company.
I have therefore passed the questions raised to Coillte for response and direct reply to the Deputy.
Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme
Questions (598)
Brendan Griffin
Question:598. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter in relation to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13307/20]
View answerWritten answers
The person named submitted a payment claim under The Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme of TAMS II on 22 April 2020. The payment claim is currently being processed and the local office concerned will be in direct contact with the above named when processing is complete.
Environmental Policy
Questions (599)
Robert Troy
Question:599. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the remuneration available to owners of callow land along the Shannon catchment area. [13316/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department implements a number of financial support schemes for farmers, including those farmers who own callow land in the Shannon catchment area. For example, farmers in the Shannon callows are eligible to avail of the financial support paid out under the €1.2bn annual Basic Payment Scheme and the €250m annual Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme. In addition, support is available for farmers participating in the GLAS agri-environment scheme as is support for capital investment projects under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS).
The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) also operate farm plan scheme, to trial and test new approaches to farming for nature. Currently, there are three NPWS farm plans in the Shannon Callows, focussing on breeding waders (namely Curlew, Snipe, Lapwing and Redshank). Applications for new farm plans were recently requested and 12 applications were successful in the Shannon Callows. NPWS is currently procuring the services of a farm planner to engage with the applicants, with a view to designing farm plans, which both NPWS and the farmers in question will consider to take forward.