Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 889: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she intends to introduce new grant rates provided to farmers under the CFP scheme in view of the increasing cost of steel and the demands which will be placed on farmers due to the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25122/05]

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 894: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the 70% grant aid will be available towards pollution control and slurry accommodation; if the grant will include the farm building; if she has considered increasing the size of building that can be provided without planning permission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25602/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 889 and 894 together.

I recently announced the outline of a proposed revised farm waste management scheme to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the nitrates directive. Under the proposed scheme, grant aid will be available for animal housing and slurry storage facilities at 70% in the four Zone C counties, that is, Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan and at 60% in other areas. Top-up grants will also be available to qualifying young farmers. However, the revised scheme requires state aid approval by the European Commission prior to its implementation. I am hopeful that the revised scheme will be in operation by 1 January 2006. The issue of changes in planning permission requirements is a matter for the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.