Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1410. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be allowed to increase their stocking quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38556/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Review of the Commonage Framework Plans is being undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and my Department, in consultation with stakeholders. Sustainable stock numbers will be proscribed for each LPIS parcel, to prevent under-grazing and over-grazing.
The objectives of the Review are to ensure: That the lands are maintained in GAEC; That the sustainable stocking of all commonage land is achieved; That sheep farmers, who may been required under the original Commonage Framework Plans, to de-stock, can once again increase sheep numbers, subject to the NPWS stocking rates for each of the commonages; Within a number of years, all commonages will continue to be maintained in GAEC, being substantially managed and farmed and contributing, both locally and nationally, in terms of the environment, tourism and bio-diversity.
The review of Commonage Framework Plans, which has recently been completed, has established both the minimum and the maximum livestock units that will have to be maintained on a given applicant’s share of the commonage in order for the commonage to be maintained in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition. It is intended that applicants, who declare a share of commonage land under both the Direct Payment and Agri-Environment Schemes, will be notified in the coming weeks of the minimum and maximum stocking levels now allowed in respect of the commonage land they declare.
