Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Under the rural development regulation, each member state must designate areas eligible for payments under the areas of natural constraint scheme. The ANC scheme replaces the previous disadvantaged areas and less favoured areas schemes. The designation of eligible areas under these schemes to date has been based on a range of socio-economic factors. From 2018, eligible areas must instead be designated using a set list of biophysical criteria. In cases in which a member state does not introduce this new system for payment, the old scheme remains in place but payments must be phased out on a digressive basis.

The biophysical criteria set out in the legislation to underpin the new system of designation are: low temperature; dryness; excess soil moisture; limited soil drainage; unfavourable texture and stoniness - I recall, as I am sure does the Deputy, the "stony grey soil of Monaghan" - shallow rooting depth; poor chemical properties and steep slope.

My Department has commenced work on this project, and relevant technical experts are working on sourcing and analysing the data in respect of the new criteria. Department officials have also been in contact with the joint research centre and the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development in the European Commission regarding technical issues arising.

Over the coming months, this analysis will identify areas deemed to be facing natural constraints, which will in parallel be subject to a refinement process. The categorisation of designations, such as hill or mountain areas, and linked payment levels will be examined based on the outcome of the technical work I have outlined. It is envisaged that stakeholders will be consulted as this process develops.

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