Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will extend the closing date for submission of applications for grants for agricultural buildings beyond 31 December 2006 as, due to objections to planning permission, some applicants may be penalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37291/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A revised Farm Waste Management Scheme was introduced by my Department in March 2006 in order to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the Nitrates Directive. As the Scheme forms part of the current EU Rural Development Round, it must close for new applications at the end of this year.

However, I am aware that some farmers are experiencing delays in preparing planning applications, particularly in regard to the preparation of drawings. I have, therefore, recently announced that my Department is prepared to receive applications up to 31 December 2006 when accompanied by written confirmation by the agricultural planner that it is intended to lodge a planning application on the farmer's behalf. The planner will be required to lodge with the Department by 31 March 2007 both written confirmation that such a planning application has been lodged and also a copy of the set of drawings which accompanied the planning application. Farmers can, therefore, submit an application to the Department under the Scheme before any application for planning permission has been made to the relevant local authority. Before final consideration of the application can take place, full and final planning permission, including conditions, will, of course, be received. All applications which do not require planning permission must be lodged in full by 31 December 2006.

I am satisfied that this additional flexibility should provide every interested farmer with an opportunity to submit an application before year-end under this most attractive grant Scheme.