The various agri-environmental schemes introduced by my Department over the years have made a significant contribution towards enhancing the rural environment and promoting a more eco-friendly approach towards farming. As part of the next Rural Development Programme which will run to 2020, my Department is designing a new scheme to be known as GLAS – the Green Low-carbon Agri-Environment Scheme. This scheme proposes a tiered approach to meeting key environmental priorities and is being developed following a wide ranging consultative process with stakeholders. I thank the Irish Wildlife Trust for their involvement in this process.
As part of the design and approval process, a detailed ex ante evaluation of the new scheme, along with a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), and needs assessment, must be submitted to the EU Commission. Each of these reflects our experience in delivering previous environmental schemes. In addition, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and appropriate assessment (AA) are now underway, which will include a further round of public consultation, all led by independent evaluators. I am satisfied that the process in place will lead to the development of an effective and attractive new agri-environmental scheme that is well informed by earlier experience.
