GLAS Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2019

Tuesday, 10 December 2019

Ceisteanna (467)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

467. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider an amendment to the GLAS scheme to compensate GLAS or other scheme participants who lose a portion or their entire payments as a consequence of land given over for the construction of a greenway, cycleway or walkway; the number of GLAS applicants that have had their payments reduced owing to portions of land given over for a greenway by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51144/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

GLAS is a voluntary Scheme where participants choose to carry out specific environmental commitments for a minimum period of five years. All areas claimed under GLAS are checked annually against the eligible area declared under the Basic Payment Scheme. Where the original GLAS area is reduced, the annual GLAS payment is reduced pro rata to the area removed and aid previously paid must be reimbursed.

This reimbursement of aid is not required in certain circumstances, including “expropriation of a large part of the holding if such expropriation could not have been anticipated on joining the schemes”. However, the obligation is on the participant to apply to the GLAS section to avail of this and each request is examined on a case-by-case basis.

The Department does not compile data relating to the reduction of GLAS claims due to construction of a greenway, cycleway or walkway.