Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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142. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if limestone karst and waterlogged soil areas will be defined as water-vulnerable areas under the new green low-energy agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6618/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Vulnerable Water areas scheduled for support under GLAS have been identified in the first instance from maps and information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), refined on the basis of contiguity to the watercourse in question, wet-soil characteristics and presence of bovines on the holding in question. These sites have been mapped on my Department's new online application system for GLAS and will be clearly identified to the applicant's adviser when he or she logs into the system.

GLAS is structured around three tiers. The Priority Environmental Assets and Actions which have been identified as part of the consultation and design process receive priority access under Tier 1. This tier includes farms with High Status water courses. Farms with Vulnerable Water Areas are the next priority and can access GLAS under Tier 2. Tier 3 contains a range of complementary actions which can be selected by those who have already been approved for Tiers 1 or 2, or by farmers who wish to join GLAS but who have no PEAs or cannot take the actions required for Tier 2.

Farms in both limestone karst areas and farms with waterlogged soils may qualify for inclusion in either Tiers 1 or 2, depending on the status of any watercourses passing through the holding and on the presence of bovines.