Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2091. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the methodology and exact workings behind the environmental grant, as detailed in circular 13/2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42040/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Makinnon report (confirmed by the O'Hara report) recommended a new requirement for an environment report supported by an associated planning grant. The aim is to increase the quality of afforestation applications in particular as they address environmental aspects, to increase the throughput of applications by DAFM, and to ensure that applicants and their agents are reasonably reimbursed for the additional costs associated with the required standard and scope of environmental reports.
It is anticipated, as indicated in Circular 8 of 2021, that most reports that are required for afforestation, in addition to the current mandatory application requirements, may include:
- A pre-screening report
- A Habitat description and map
- An ecology report covering non-Appropriate Assessment ecology requirements
- A Natura Impact Statement.
Other reports, such as bird surveys, archaeology reports and environmental Impact Assessment Reports are occasionally required, but the four above will be the most common required by DAFM, in line with EU & National Regulations.
As detailed in Circular 13/2022, an environment grant is now paid if a report from an external ecologist or external archaeologist is submitted and on file.
It is paid at Form 2 stage.
The amount of grant aid is weighted towards the first few hectares. So, an additional €450/ hectare for the first hectare, €400 for the second hectare, €350 for the third hectare and €50/hectare from 4 hectares capped at 20 hectares is introduced.
This would work out as follows.
|
Hectares |
Environment Grant (amount per hectare) |
Cumulative Environment grant |
|
1 |
450 |
450 |
|
2 |
400 |
850 |
|
3 |
350 |
1200 |
|
4 |
50 |
1250 |
|
5 |
50 |
1300 |
|
6 |
50 |
1350 |
|
7 |
50 |
1400 |
|
8 |
50 |
1450 |
|
9 |
50 |
1500 |
|
…etc to max 20 hectares |
50 |
|
