Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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388. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the liming scheme announced in budget 2023; when he expects the scheme to be rolled out; the operation of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2464/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Funding of €8 million was announced for a Liming Measure as part of Budget 2023.

Soil and environmental protection are key considerations for the Government. The Liming Measure is being introduced by my Department to incentivise the use of lime, a natural soil conditioner, which corrects soil acidity by neutralising the acids present in the soil and in turn allows for an improvement in overall soil health and biodiversity as well as improved nutrient use efficiency. This in turn facilitates a reduction in fertiliser use.

My officials are currently finalising the Terms and Conditions of the scheme.

I will announce further details regarding the measure in the coming weeks.