Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
447. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of ACRES applications awaiting a response; the number of these outstanding applications that are from organic farmers; if he will confirm what actions are being taken to address any applications awaiting a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19196/23]
View answerACRES is the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme and is the central agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES over its duration.
There was significant interest in the Scheme with over 46,000 applications submitted for Tranche 1. I was pleased to announce last month that I was able to secure places for all valid applications submitted for Tranche 1. Decision letters issued to almost all applicants in early March with responses delayed in some cases where issues had been identified.
I am advised that 45 ACRES applicants are currently awaiting a response from my Department in relation to their ACRES application. The relevant ACRES advisors have been notified of the issues on each of these applications. I can confirm that four, of the 45 cases awaiting a response, relate to organic farmers (that is, members of Organic Certification Bodies).
My Department is are working to resolve the outstanding issues and it is anticipated that approval letters will issue for those cases that pass the ACRES pre-approval validations within the coming weeks.
