Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
491. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to Shannon Callows flooding scheme, if this is only covering the Shannon Callows special area of conservation; the reason there was there no reference to this when the scheme was announced; if he can justify why one farmer is being paid compensation and the adjoining framer is not eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3009/24]
View answerFollowing exceptional flooding in the Shannon Callows during summer 2023, on 7 November 2023 I announced the launch of the Shannon Callows Flood Scheme. The aim of the scheme is to support farmers who have lost fodder due to flooding in the region during summer 2023. I have allocated funding of approximately €800,000 which will allow for a payment rate of up to €325 per hectare. This is for LPIS parcels in the Shannon Callows impacted as determined by my Department's Earth Observation team, utilising the Area Monitoring System, and which were claimed by farmers on their 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application.
My Department has contacted the farmers that the Earth Observation team, utilising the Area Monitoring System, identified as having been impacted by the flooding, providing them with a simple application form for them to sign and return if they wish to apply for the support. Farmers are asked to confirm they have lost fodder as a result of the exceptional flooding in order to receive payment.
A total of 230 expression of interest letters including the application form were issued on the 17 November 2023 and a further 47 expression of interest letters including the application form issued on the 7 December 2023, with 268 out of 277 now paid.
The Shannon Callows is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are responsible for this designation. However, specific designation of a parcel as Natura or not, is not a factor in the eligibility of a parcel, but rather its location within the Shannon Callows and evidence of sufficient flooding.
