Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

12. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if tranche two of the green low-carbon agri-environmental scheme will contain the same measures as tranche one; if the low input permanent pasture area remains at 10 ha; if planting new hedgerows will continue to be an option; if not, the reasons for the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34035/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the first tranche of GLAS proved hugely successful attracting nearly 27,000 applications in all. Applications were received from every single county and virtually every action was selected at some stage. On the basis of the plans submitted for the 27,000 applications received to date, we have already met or exceeded RDP targets for Low Input Permanent Pasture, Protection of Watercourses, Laying Hedgerows, Planting New Hedgerows, Planting of Traditional Orchards, Bird, Bee and Bat Habitats, Wild Bird Cover and Stone Wall Maintenance.

For the second tranche of GLAS, which I intend to launch next week, I have revisited the various actions that will be available to farmers in the light of the substantial progress made to date. GLAS differs from previous schemes in that it adopts a very targeted approach to meeting its environmental objectives and the RDP includes a provision for review and reassessment after the first tranche. Not all the actions which have met or exceeded targets require to be adjusted, given that the associated spend is in many cases relatively easily accommodated in within the total budget.

However, given the very high uptake of Low Input Permanent Pasture (LIPP), it is proposed to adjust the provision for this action under the next tranche. It will still be possible to take up to 10 hectares of either LIPP or Traditional Hay Meadow as before, but the LIPP component will be limited to 5 hectares. While this means that we will still see permanent pasture coming into GLAS, I hope it will encourage more farmers to take the hay meadow option, which is well behind target, and which delivers the same payment per hectare.

In relation to the planting of new hedgerows, I am proposing to suspend this action for Tranche 2, along with the planting of traditional orchards. Both actions have met their targets for the entire RDP, and there are concerns about the availability of planting stock. I will, however, review this for Tranche 3. I am also reducing slightly the maximum length for coppicing from 1000 metres to 750 metres. This action is well on target and if possible I would like to encourage farmers to continue to take up the hedge-laying option which has already proved very popular.

On birds, and following discussion with farmer representatives, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Bird Watch Ireland, I am proposing a number of changes which will make it easier for farmers to adapt to the new regimes required, and which will encourage even greater uptake.

For Natura land, I am providing for part-parcel actions, combined with compatible actions on the remaining part-parcel. Again, this follows discussions with farmer representative and other stakeholders and will provide for greater flexibility.

On protection of watercourses, I am also providing for this action to be available on any land adjoining a water course where cattle may have access, and not just on grassland parcels.

For rare breeds, and as explained previously in this House, I am making it possible for farmers who acquired Kerry Bog Ponies and Galway Sheep in 2014 and who joined the relevant societies, to enter GLAS now under Tier 1. This particular concession recognises the comparatively greater conservation challenge facing these breeds. The remaining Rare Breeds listed for GLAS continue to provide Tier 1 access under exactly the same terms as before.

These proposed changes have been notified to the European Commission, as required, and their final response is expected very shortly.