Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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482. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the new environmental scheme for farmers with designated land is open to new applicants at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23232/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to the new Hen Harrier Programme which is a locally led initiative supported by my Department under the European Innovation Partnership measure of Ireland's Rural Development Programme. However, the new Programme is not directly administered by my Department and  design and management are primarily matters for the local project team.

The Programme has been open for applications since the 8th December 2017, and is still open. Offers to eligible farmers are being made on a monthly basis and this will continue until all available places have been filled across the six SPA areas.