Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
800. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated amount of funding that will be allocated to the areas of natural constraint scheme in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34695/20]
View answerThe budget for the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme has received a number of significant increases in recent years, with an increase of €25 million being allocated to the scheme in 2018 and an additional €23 million being allocated in 2019.
These increases have brought the total budget for the scheme to €250 million per annum. This represents a recognition of the importance of the scheme to the rural economy and the farmers that farm lands designated as disadvantaged/constrained. As part of the recent budgetary process, an allocation of €250 million was secured for this important scheme in 2021.
