Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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513. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider implementing a scheme to promote the growth of hedgerows on farms considering the positive environmental benefits associated with their growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29462/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Some 38,000 farmers have been approved into the first two Tranches of GLAS, 26,500 in GLAS 1 and 11,500 in GLAS 2.

Under the provisions of the GLAS Scheme there are a number of actions in relation to hedgerows including coppicing of hedgerows and laying of hedgerows.

On the basis of the commitments provided in the plans submitted with each of the GLAS tranche 1 applications, the targets for the full Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020 period were met or exceeded in a number of areas, including the planting of new hedgerows. Given that the target for this action has been met in full, this action was suspended.

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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514. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the growth and maintenance of hedgerows on farms will be considered for inclusion under the GLAS scheme in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29463/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Some 38,000 farmers have been approved into the first two Tranches of GLAS, 26,500 in GLAS 1 and 11,500 in GLAS 2. Under the provisions of the GLAS Scheme there are a number of actions open to applicants in relation to hedgerows including coppicing of hedgerows and laying of hedgerows.

On the basis of the commitments provided in the plans submitted with the GLAS tranche 1 applications, the targets for the full Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020 period were met or exceeded in a number of areas, including the planting of new hedgerows. Given that the target for this action has been met in full, this action was suspended. In relation to this action, on foot of the applications received under Tranche 1 alone, some 1,300 km of new hedgerows will be planted, requiring the provision of 8 million plants, representing a significant investment.