Written Answers Nos. 368-387
368. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are peat type lands now excluded from afforestation, including the native tree area scheme due to concerns of carbon emission which are being farmed intensively within the dairy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8694/24]
View answerEmissions for agriculture and all land types depend on a wide variety of factors. Some lands such as grasslands on mineral soils remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere compared to grasslands on peat soils. The types of animals grazing lands will also contribute to the overall emission profile for each farm enterprise which can be significantly different.
My Department when assessing the merits of afforestation examines the impact of trees and the soils they are planted on. It does not examine emission profiles of different farming enterprises to compare against forestry projects to determine which is more favorable. The decision to licence an afforestation approval takes into account a wide variety of factors which include the presence of habitats, archeology, soil types and aquatic zones.
As outlined in Irelands Climate Action Plan there is a requirement to reduce emissions across all sectors and to take actions that include reducing emissions both from agriculture and all types of land.
369. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide all peer reviewed research reports his Department relied upon in defining what peat types are plantable under the new forestry programme; the reports that specify the differences between native woodland afforestation and conifer afforestation which support his Department’s position regarding same in the new forestry programme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8718/24]
View answerForests play a significant role in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and play an important role in storing carbon in harvested wood products. Assessing a sites suitability for afforestation must take into consideration the loss of carbon from soils, the amount that will be offset by the removals from the growing trees and other environmental considerations.
The table below highlights the main reports used to inform the decision on peat as outlined in Irelands forestry programme for the period 2023 to 2027.
|
EPA 2023. National inventory report Greenhouse gas emissions 1990 – 2022. Reported to the United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change, EPA, Dublin |
|
Black.,K.,Byrne, K., D, McInerny, Landy, J. (2022) Forests for Climate: Report on Carbon Modelling of the Coillte Estate. ( not peer reviewed, but based on a number of peer reviewed research papers) |
|
Jovani-Sancho, A.J., Cummins, T., Byrne, K.A. 2021 Soil carbon balance of afforested peatlands in the maritime temperate climatic zone. Global change biology. |
|
Hargreaves, K. J., Milne, R. & Cannell, M. G. R. 2003. Carbon balance of afforested peatland in Scotland. Forestry, 76: 299-317. |
|
Houlihan, T., Black, K. 2020. Climate mitigation options through afforestation. Irish Forestry Vol 77:136-142. |
With regard to the planting of native woodland and conifer within the current Forestry programme, the planting of native broadleaved species on modified fen peats in agricultural use where no additional drainage takes place is permitted. These modified fen peats sites generally have a higher nutrient status than other types of peats such as blanket bogs. The decision to allow planting on modified fen peats in agricultural use is partly in recognition that some of these sites would naturally regenerate with broadleaves if left undisturbed, and also acknowledges the importance of biodiversity. Planting conifers on similar sites would require drainage and research has shown that the carbon balance of conifer stands on peat sites is initially a net removal but there is a gradual transition to a net emission after 1-3 rotations (Black et al., 2022; Hargreaves et al., 2003).
It is clear that emissions from forests on peatlands are complex and more research is required. My Department will continue to fund research on assessing the carbon emissions from forests growing on peat soils to better inform our understanding of emissions into the future.
370. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update regarding the effectiveness of the NTA scheme in promoting forestry among farmers and landowners, given its financial attraction and efficient approval process (details supplied); the reasons for the low uptake; his plans to address and improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8719/24]
View answerThe Forestry Programme 2023-2027 contains a new Native Tree Area Scheme, which allows for the creation of forests of up to 1 hectare without an afforestation licence, subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme.
Within the scheme, two different interventions are available to applicants. NTA 1 supports the establishment of new native forests on farmed land, thereby contributing to Ireland’s targets in relation to a wide range of environmental priorities particularly climate change and biodiversity. NTA 2 supports the establishment of new native forests for water protection, that can be used to deliver ecosystem services that protect and enhance water quality alongside aquatic ecosystems.
The scheme opened for applications on 4th October 2023 and to date 88 applications, covering 91ha have been approved under this scheme. In addition, 52 valid applications totalling 57ha are currently being processed by my Department.
My Department will continue to closely monitor this scheme in conjunction with stakeholders over the duration of this Programme. We are hosting a training event for registered foresters in the coming weeks, which will address general queries surrounding eligibility and other terms and conditions.
We will continue to encourage farmers to consider the Scheme as a complementary activity to another farming enterprise with premiums of up to €22,840 for 10 years.
371. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a farm (details supplied) will be considered as eligible for social farming funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8728/24]
View answerA procurement process took place in 2021 for the provision of new or existing social farming model projects. Four projects were successful following the tendering process and were awarded contracts with possible extensions.
• Leitrim Integrated Development Company CLG – to model and progress full commissioning and mainstreaming of Social Farming supports across a range of sectors and services in Ireland.
• Down Syndrome Irl (Cork Branch) – to provide opportunities for participation in a purpose built farm, the Field of Dreams with horticulture and animal care elements which will bring long lasting wellness benefits to participants.
• South Kerry Development Partnership – to increase participant and host farmers engagement so that the social farming opportunity is available to more people in Kerry and to offer choice to people with disabilities to engage with farm families.
• IRD Duhallow – to promote rehabilitation, social inclusion, training and improved quality of life in a non-clinical setting using agriculture including plants and animals. To include people with mental health conditions, people with intellectual, physical or sensory disabilities, people with autism and those with hidden disabilities'
My Department has the right to extend the term of the contracts for a period or periods up to 12 months with a maximum of four such extensions. It is envisaged a new procurement process will be rolled out in early 2026. The Social Farm referred to by the Deputy may submit a tender application at that time.
372. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of 2023 BISS applicants in Ireland that have encountered Departmental IT issues in relation the computation of space for nature percentages for both single measure ( >7% of farm area) and the enhanced measure ( >10% of farm area); the number of these farmers that are still without their ECO scheme payment; when his Department will rectify the issues for these BISS applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8733/24]
View answerIn September 2022, my Department published indicative Space for Nature estimates using satellite imagery for all farmers. Farmers and their FAS Advisors then had the opportunity to review those estimates before the opening of the BISS and Eco-scheme online application system in February 2023. Where a farmer decided to apply for Eco-schemes under Agricultural Practice 1 (Space for Nature), they had to be 7% or greater for the standard measure or 10% or greater for the enhanced measure.
Where at application stage in 2023, the farmer was below those percentages, the farmer or FAS Advisor could mark in additional features that were not already marked as such in indicative estimates or features such as a new hedge or grove of trees which had only recently been planted.
Where such edits or additional features are marked in at application stage, these added features must be validated and digitised by my Department. All Eco-Scheme digitising tasks for 2023 applications are up to date. Payruns are continuing under Eco-schemes with almost 117,000 having already been paid almost €297 million. There are c. 7,000 Eco-scheme applications still being processed. Not all of these will result in an Eco-scheme payment because in some cases, the farmer or FAS Advisor submitted an application under both a temporary reference number (TRN) and the herdnumber. Approximately 850 of this number were also farmers who chose Agricultural Practice 2 (extensive livestock) but chose to use the 2023 year as the year for stocking. That meant my Department had to wait until February 2024 to verify the stocking rate in 2023. That process is now complete and these cases are being presented for payment.
The 2024 application process for Eco-schemes opened on 20 February 2024 and farmers and FAS Advisors that are applying under Agricultural Practice 1 should ensure that all features applied on exist on the holding and that where additional features are marked in, this is done correctly i.e. that existing hedgerows are not re-mapped.
373. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full-year cost of delivering ACRES payments in 2024; the anticipated full year cost delivering payments under tranche 2 of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8737/24]
View answerThe revised estimate for my department for 2024 provides €200 million for ACRES payments. The final spending requirement will be determined by the number of contracts that clear payment validations later in the year.
374. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average total payment made to farmers under the ACRES general and cooperation project streams, respectively in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8738/24]
View answerThe first payments to ACRES participants issued in December 2023. Just over 17,100 participants in Ireland’s flagship agri-environment scheme were paid an average of €4,460. These payments were made to those in the ACRES General stream. In 2024, over 2,500 additional ACRES general participants were paid an average of €4,610.
The Deputy will be aware of my recent announcements in relation to an interim payment for those ACRES participants that have not yet been paid. I announced that those in ACRES Co-operation Project areas will receive an interim payment of €5,000, while those in the general stream will receive €4,000. Those payments will issue in the coming days, at which point I will have more information on the numbers and the amounts paid.
375. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the entire amount spent under the RUS since 2020; the amount spent under the new forestry scheme 2023-2027 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8739/24]
View answer376. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications to the interim RUS under the forestry scheme 2023-2027 to date; the number approved and the average payment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8740/24]
View answer377. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated area covered by trees affected by ash dieback, by plantations affected by ash dieback and areas outside the forestry programme including roadside ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8741/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 375 to 377, inclusive, together.
A total of 15,897 hectares of grant aided ash forests were planted from 1990. The National Inventory for 2022 shows the total area of hedgerow as 267,509 hectares. There is no species breakdown of the hedgerow area so it is not possible to provide figures for ash planted outside of the forestry programmes either in hedgerows of other non-grant aided areas.
Since the introduction of the first reconstitution scheme for ash dieback in 2013 a total of over €15 million has been spent by my Department on clearing and replanting ash dieback sites.
Under the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) introduced in 2020 a total of €2,329,317 has been spent. €206,430 has been expended on the interim scheme via general de minimis with a further €28,565 on the New Programme Scheme. The table below shows expenditure on the different reconstitution schemes to date.
|
Total on RAD scheme 2013-2018 |
€12,778,896 |
|
RUS scheme 2020 |
€2,329,318 |
|
Interim De Minimis Scheme |
€206,430 |
|
FP23-27 |
€28,565 |
|
Total ASH Dieback Spend since 2013 |
€15,343,210 |
In relation to the interim Reconstitution Scheme via general de minimis there were 30 approvals issued for 116 hectares. Site Clearance grants have been paid for 21 applications for 53 hectares, and first grant for nine of these for 22.28 hectares. The average replanting grant payment was €8,701. The average site clearance was €5,037. These figures are represented in the table below. Five of these replanting applications are still in premium and are also due a top up premium, equivalent to the difference between the existing premium and the associated new Forest type and will be paid in a lump sum calculated for the remaining period in premium. This payment is currently being calculated and will be paid directly to the forest owner. So, for example, a forest owner with 10 years of remaining premium who enters into the Reconstitution Scheme to plant FT1 (native forest), could receive a lump sum payment of €6,355 per hectare.
Interim Scheme via de minimis
|
Approved number |
Site Clearance paid |
Average Site Clearance Grant |
First Grant Paid |
Average First Grant |
Average SC +Grant |
|
30 for 116 hectares |
21 for 53 hectares |
€5,037 |
9 for 22.28 hectares |
€8,701 |
€13,738 |
The first grant payment represents 75% of the total planting grant with the second grant paid after four years once the trees have been satisfactorily established. Under the Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback in the new Forestry Programme for clearing a site and replanting, the payment range of payments to landowners entering the scheme is from €5,858 up to €10,555/ha as well as a generous top up premium paid in a lump sum for those with remaining years of premium payments.
In addition a detailed Ash Dieback action plan is being prepared by Minister of State, Senator Pippa Hackett for submission to Cabinet for approval in the very near future.
378. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 14 February 2024, if he will acknowledge that the fox hunting codes of practice he referred to do nothing to eliminate the cruelty inherent in the blood sport. [8749/24]
View answerParliamentary Question No. 260 of 14 February 2024 outlined that, after a detailed debate was held around the general issue of hunting, during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, the Dail voted overwhelmingly to allow the continuation of fox hunting in accordance with an appropriate Code of Conduct.
In addition to the animal welfare safeguards outlined in my previous response, the Code prohibits the hunting of foxes where the animal is injured and advocates the humane disposal of a fox when captured.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (the Act) specifically prohibits the hunting of animals which have been released in an injured, mutilated, or exhausted condition. Where a specific case of animal neglect or cruelty is identified, offences may be prosecuted under the Act.
I am satisfied with the instruments in place and my Department has no plans to change the existing legislation.
379. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the total spent on the vaccination of badgers for tuberculosis by his Department in the past ten years in County Wicklow; how many vaccinations have been administered to the badger population in the same time period in the county; and what research has been caried out on the impact of vaccination as a means of dealing with the prevalence of tuberculosis in the badger population, in tabular form. [8821/24]
View answerPlease see the table below with regards to vaccinations in Wicklow from 2013 to 2023.
|
Year |
Wicklow vacciinations |
|
2013 |
0 |
|
2014 |
0 |
|
2015 |
0 |
|
2016 |
0 |
|
2017 |
0 |
|
2018 |
0 |
|
2019 |
29 |
|
2020 |
46 |
|
2021 |
70 |
|
2022 |
181 |
|
2023 |
180 |
Regarding your query on the total spend on vaccination in County Wicklow over the ten year period, it would not be possible to accurately provide a county specific expenditure report due to the structure in place around the badger vaccination programme, the travel expenses, consumables and contractor costs can not be limited to Wicklow only.
I do want to reiterate that my Department is fully committed to the wildlife programme and in 2023 spent over €7.6 million euro expanding the vaccination of badgers, implementing the capture scheme as well as continuing the identification of setts across the country.
As part of the national TB Eradication Programme, there are numerous studies and research projects into the causes of TB in livestock. This work is undertaken to provide scientific information to inform policy decision-making.
All TB scientific research assignments undertaken as part of the TB Eradication Programme are carefully defined and driven by a specific TB-related research question.
My Department commissions various bodies to carry out TB research projects. The main body that is commissioned by my Department is University College Dublin's Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (UCD CVERA) which conducts research for the control and eradication of regulatory animal diseases, which includes the national TB Eradication Programme.
Badger vaccination is now an integral part of the Irish TB Eradication Programme. This follows over 15 years of research work using BCG vaccine to prevent tuberculosis infection in badgers, and scientific trials carried out between 2013 and 2017 that show that vaccination is no less effective than culling.
Badger vaccination is thus being substituted for continued culling of badgers such that a significant reduction in the numbers of badgers culled can be achieved over the coming years while still maintaining effective control of the risk posed to cattle.
I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. There is a terrible financial and emotional pain associated with a TB breakdown. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
380. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce funding for a new tillage incentive and sustainability scheme for 2024 to support new and existing farmers in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8823/24]
View answerThe tillage sector is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry and is a sector that I want to see grow and develop. It is a major producer of high-quality grain for the animal feed industry and straw for feeding and bedding and makes a significant contribution to the food and drinks sectors through the provision of high-quality raw materials.
A vibrant and sustainable tillage sector is central to increasing Ireland’s food and feed security while also contributing to climate change objectives; the Climate Action plan 2023 sets out a target to increase the area under tillage to 400,000ha by 2030 as part of Agriculture’s commitment to reduce emissions by 25%.
I introduced new and innovative measures in support of the tillage sector in recent years. The Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS) has paid €10.9m to growers in 2022 and €7.3m in 2023. The Straw Incorporation Measure, which was first introduced as a pilot scheme in 2021, is now included in the CAP Strategic Plan with a budget of €10m. Additional funding was secured in 2023 resulting in €14.5m being paid out to farmers.
Additional funding of €3m was allocated to the Protein Aid Scheme last year bringing the budget for protein aid to €10m in 2023. In view of the challenges experienced by the tillage growers in 2023, €14.3m was paid to growers in January this year by way of an Unharvested Crop Support Scheme and a once-off flat rate payment on the area of oilseed rape and cereals.
In May last year, I established the Food Vision Tillage Group to set out a roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the sector to 400,000ha by 2030. The Group has met on 11 occasions. I will consider their final recommendations to grow the sector which I am expecting in the near future.
381. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a progress report on the west wharf extension and return project for Dunmore East Harbour, to which €300,000 was allocated in the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2023, but which has no allocation in the 2024 Development Programme, and with, I am advised, no works having been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8845/24]
View answer382. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the €150,000 funding announced for a new retaining wall along cliff in the Fishery Harbour Centres and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2024 is a reannouncement of funding for the same project committed to in the development programme for 2023 or if it is additional monies for further expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8846/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 381 and 382 together.
My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. From 2020 to 2023 €110.7 million was invested in capital infrastructure projects at these facilities. Each year the allocation of funding is made in line with the needs of each harbour and having regard to existing contractual commitments, emerging needs and available resources.
In any particular year, the Department can be managing 50-60 different projects across the Fishery Harbour Centres and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Projects where there are existing multi-annual contractual commitments are carefully monitored in progress and delivery as these can impact on capacity to spend in other areas. This means that from time to time the Department has to re-prioritise projects to match available resources and this has been the case with regard to the projects referred to by the Deputy. During 2023 expenditure on a number of existing contractual commitments, including the Smooth Point project at Killybegs and the Deep Water Quay project at Ros an Mhíl, was ahead of profile with a consequential impact on delivery on some other projects.
With regard to the projects themselves, project development continued through the work of the Department's Marine Engineering Division. The Department is also currently revisiting a report from a consulting engineering firm with regard to value-for-money future development options for Dunmore East. In this context the Department considered it prudent to pause on further development on the West Wharf at this time.
383. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a full breakdown in tabular form of all funding spent and committed to in the Fishery Harbour Centres and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programmes at the six State-owned fishery harbour centres since 2020; if he will provide details of any projects that were announced but not commenced or completed during those years; the amount of funding that was allocated to projects but then did not proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8847/24]
View answerMy Department has responsibility for the six State owned Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, Dingle, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth.
Capital projects are subject to rigorous project management processes including design, tender action and implementation stages; and ongoing monitoring, evaluation and review in accordance with the Public Spending Code and, now, the Infrastructure Guidelines. Additionally, all contractual projects are subject to the applicable conditions of contract and as such it is necessary to follow due process in accordance with such conditions.
As has been the case across the construction sector in the period since 2020, project delivery has been impacted by public health restrictions arising from Covid19 and the particularly disruptive impacts arising from the invasion of Ukraine. Delivery challenges that have been encountered include consenting, procurement, contractor difficulties, supply chain and weather windows for works. Despite these obstacles, between 2020 and 2023, €110.7 million of the €133.7 million allocated was invested in projects at the six Fishery Harbour Centres.
I allocate funding on an annual basis in line with national priorities for Exchequer funds and in line with priorities set by my Department. Earlier this month I announced a capital investment package of €29.7m for the six Fishery Harbour Centres as part of the 2024 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Details of project allocation are available in tabular form online at: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/1e320-minister-mcconalogue-announces-investment-of-297million-in-the-fishery-harbour-centres/
384. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE solicitors employed by his Department in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form; and the civil service grade this post is normally filled by. [8857/24]
View answerMy Department is committed to ensuring that a skilled workforce is in place to meet its priority business needs.
As business needs arise, staff are allocated to support organisational priorities within my Department. Overall staffing levels and required skills are continually monitored to ensure business needs are met, subject to the limits of the annual estimates process, the usual budgetary constraints and approvals by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan, Delivery and Reform.
My Department generally avails of the legal services of the Chief State Solicitor's Office along with those provided by its own Legal Services Division.
The table below provides details on the numbers of officers employed as Solicitors within Legal Services Division of my Department during 2023 and 2024.
|
Grade |
Number employed 2023 |
Number employed 2024 |
Civil Service Grade |
|
Solicitor |
3 |
3 |
AP grade |
385. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of farmer scheme payments made on a per county basis for the year 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8906/24]
View answerAt the link below is a breakdown in tabular form of the total amount of payments made to farmers on a per county basis for 2023 applications which have been paid up to and including Friday 23rd February.
Payments on 2023 applications continue to be made across a number of schemes as applicants meet the eligibility requirements.
386. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of payments in euro paid out in 2023 to beef and sheep farmers in each county; the number of payees in each county, since the formation of this Government, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8941/24]
View answerThe table below sets out the total amount of farmer scheme payments made under the following schemes: - Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS), Sheep Welfare Scheme, BDGP, BEEP S, Dairy Beef, BEAM, Beef Finisher Schemes, SCEP, National Beef Welfare Scheme 2023 and National Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme 2023 on a per county basis for the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
It is important to stress that under the "Number of payees" column, a farmer could be included twice where they are in receipt of more than 1 scheme payment - for example in 2023 for Carlow, if a farmer is in receipt of both the SIS and SCEP, they will be included twice within the figure of 1,224.
|
- |
2020 |
|
2021 |
|
2022 |
|
2023 |
|
|
County |
Number of Payees |
Amount |
Number of Payees |
Amount |
Number of Payees |
Amount |
Number of Payees |
Amount |
|
CARLOW |
1567 |
€3,307,672 |
1179 |
€1,927,858 |
1072 |
€1,865,189 |
1224 |
€1,643,609 |
|
CAVAN |
3680 |
€5,147,702 |
2680 |
€3,448,845 |
2534 |
€3,351,843 |
2480 |
€3,104,496 |
|
CLARE |
4779 |
€7,144,073 |
4127 |
€5,993,541 |
3871 |
€5,902,335 |
3514 |
€6,164,931 |
|
CORK |
8542 |
€13,189,627 |
5251 |
€6,327,696 |
5009 |
€6,380,755 |
5346 |
€6,550,322 |
|
DONEGAL |
6766 |
€6,594,057 |
5808 |
€4,904,380 |
5537 |
€4,908,101 |
8143 |
€5,380,412 |
|
DUBLIN |
343 |
€650,451 |
233 |
€351,097 |
205 |
€312,628 |
282 |
€299,798 |
|
GALWAY |
9530 |
€12,027,368 |
7685 |
€9,516,906 |
7207 |
€9,362,889 |
8281 |
€9,536,787 |
|
KERRY |
5005 |
€6,146,098 |
4101 |
€5,006,848 |
3921 |
€4,944,810 |
4992 |
€5,255,871 |
|
KILDARE |
1455 |
€3,257,720 |
978 |
€1,552,101 |
865 |
€1,491,445 |
953 |
€1,354,550 |
|
KILKENNY |
2698 |
€6,005,797 |
1699 |
€2,971,765 |
1494 |
€2,728,954 |
1625 |
€2,725,461 |
|
LAOIS |
2187 |
€4,735,673 |
1388 |
€2,284,850 |
1206 |
€2,154,299 |
1193 |
€1,576,950 |
|
LEITRIM |
2788 |
€2,936,624 |
2575 |
€2,755,413 |
2429 |
€2,611,529 |
2467 |
€2,540,592 |
|
LIMERICK |
3081 |
€4,865,909 |
1846 |
€2,451,477 |
1799 |
€2,569,404 |
1677 |
€2,508,772 |
|
LONGFORD |
2108 |
€3,283,847 |
1629 |
€2,214,103 |
1517 |
€2,109,365 |
1689 |
€2,290,331 |
|
LOUTH |
1019 |
€1,852,233 |
635 |
€933,189 |
607 |
€958,834 |
705 |
€932,048 |
|
MAYO |
8534 |
€8,852,604 |
7096 |
€7,161,811 |
6723 |
€7,039,387 |
8163 |
€7,721,260 |
|
MEATH |
2496 |
€4,692,767 |
1673 |
€2,844,377 |
1539 |
€2,585,293 |
1859 |
€2,876,787 |
|
MONAGHAN |
2980 |
€4,184,911 |
1822 |
€2,145,057 |
1648 |
€2,030,784 |
1992 |
€2,436,910 |
|
OFFALY |
2242 |
€4,340,986 |
1491 |
€2,293,821 |
1318 |
€2,108,275 |
1450 |
€2,249,658 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
4659 |
€5,943,513 |
3625 |
€4,592,293 |
3398 |
€4,328,707 |
3741 |
€4,878,591 |
|
SLIGO |
3162 |
€3,494,217 |
2637 |
€2,893,791 |
2508 |
€2,812,245 |
2780 |
€3,070,420 |
|
TIPPERARY |
4818 |
€9,482,745 |
2924 |
€4,730,800 |
2749 |
€4,445,251 |
3001 |
€4,702,032 |
|
WATERFORD |
1517 |
€3,157,066 |
888 |
€1,629,981 |
854 |
€1,610,419 |
1045 |
€1,726,701 |
|
WESTMEATH |
2893 |
€5,156,528 |
2028 |
€3,364,479 |
1885 |
€3,280,001 |
1909 |
€2,994,720 |
|
WEXFORD |
2912 |
€6,070,438 |
2016 |
€3,221,816 |
1773 |
€3,004,585 |
1848 |
€2,731,793 |
|
WICKLOW |
1824 |
€3,200,849 |
1512 |
€2,413,576 |
1378 |
€2,364,500 |
1952 |
€2,472,618 |
387. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of payments in euro paid out in 2023 under the areas of natural constraint scheme, by county; and the total number of farmers paid in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8942/24]
View answerThe Areas of Natural Constraints scheme provides payments to people farming land in designated areas facing significant hardships from factors such as remoteness, difficult topography, climatic problems, and poor soil conditions.
The ANC scheme eligibility criteria include:
• Hold ANC designated land in accordance with the provisions of Article 32 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, as provided for under Article 71 of Regulation (EU) No 2021/2115.
• Meet the minimum stocking requirement of 0.10 livestock units per forage hectare.
The table below outlines the information requested for the ANC scheme year 2023.
|
County |
Number Paid |
Gross Payment |
|
Carlow |
805 |
€1,913,947 |
|
Cavan |
4,511 |
€10,574,119 |
|
Clare |
5,730 |
€14,961,938 |
|
Cork |
7,356 |
€19,900,510 |
|
Donegal |
8,297 |
€23,966,075 |
|
Dublin |
154 |
€410,453 |
|
Galway |
11,021 |
€27,815,302 |
|
Kerry |
7,124 |
€20,532,896 |
|
Kildare |
614 |
€1,231,159 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,793 |
€4,209,806 |
|
Laois |
1,713 |
€3,792,364 |
|
Leitrim |
3,219 |
€8,548,199 |
|
Limerick |
4,316 |
€9,523,255 |
|
Longford |
2,235 |
€5,137,042 |
|
Louth |
813 |
€1,551,598 |
|
Mayo |
10,511 |
€27,626,183 |
|
Meath |
1,496 |
€2,943,114 |
|
Monaghan |
3,811 |
€8,038,706 |
|
Offaly |
2,381 |
€5,161,304 |
|
Roscommon |
5,299 |
€12,551,869 |
|
Sligo |
3,653 |
€9,211,054 |
|
Tipperary |
4,678 |
€11,013,828 |
|
Waterford |
1,394 |
€3,470,467 |
|
Westmeath |
2,725 |
€5,776,837 |
|
Wexford |
1,544 |
€3,094,157 |
|
Wicklow |
1,765 |
€4,979,539 |
|
Total |
98,958 |
€247,935,720 |
