Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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89. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will include an incentive within the GLAS scheme to encourage farmers cut the hedges on their land which are growing out onto the public road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40710/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 obliges the owner or occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, shrubs etc. on the land are not a hazard or potential hazard to road users and that they do not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of, or maintenance of a public road. It is not possible to compensate farmers or land owners for complying with their statutory obligations.However under the proposed GLAS scheme farmers can be compensated for very specific management of hedgerows through coppicing or laying and these actions can be delivered on hedgerows adjoining public roads.

Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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90. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the start up date for GLAS as a matter of urgency as many farmers have finished rural environment protection scheme 4 and are substantially down on their income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40711/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The GLAS Scheme is currently with the European Commission for approval, as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020. My officials have very recently received observations from the Commission on the draft Programme and will respond to those as soon as possible. I am therefore not in position at this stage to confirm a start-up date as it is entirely dependent on when we receive full and final approval from the Commission. It is my intention that the Scheme will be rolled-out very quickly after Commission approval is received and it is my expectation that contracts will commence in 2015.