Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015
384. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the commonage framework plan enacted in 2002 still applies; and if there are proposals for a new plan to be devised. [20097/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review of the Commonage Framework Plans was carried out over the years 2013-2014 and the various stocking densities applying to each commonage were re-assessed. These have since been published on my Department’s website as part of the Commonage Information File and can be freely viewed by anybody. Under GLAS, the new agri-environment scheme under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme, a single Commonage Management Plan must be drawn up for each participating commonage, which will outline the appropriate stocking densities for each GLAS shareholder. As part of that process, which will be undertaken by a trained GLAS advisor working directly with the shareholders themselves, it is open for different stocking densities to be proposed, on foot of the advisor’s own assessment of the situation on the ground. My Department will examine all such proposals with an open mind.
