Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
675. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on any proposals that are being made in relation to payments being made permanent for farmers in SAC areas who are in the national farm plan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27297/23]
View answerMy Department has operated the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme since 2006. The purpose of the scheme is to provide financial and advisory support to farmers to manage farmed habitats and species of conservation concern above and beyond statutory requirements. The scheme is operated under the Agriculture Block Exemption Regulation (ABER) 702/2014 (as extended until the end of June 2023) and is currently subject to an application under the new ABER (2022/2472).
The Regulations pertaining to State Aid have a defined period of operability and the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme has operated to the maximum time available. Payments under the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, as with other agri-environmental schemes, are typically for a five-year contractual period. A number of plans have been ‘rolled over’, for example, where no other scheme is available to cater for site specific requirements, with some participants now in their fourth cycle of farm plans. A five-year cycle allows for adaptability of plans and contracts to react to issues on the ground and to provide reasonable flexibility to the farmers in question.
NPWS recognises that long term commitments provide certainty and forward planning for farmers, however under the new ABER the maximum duration will be to the end of 2029, at which stage it is envisaged that a renewal of the scheme will be sought under subsequent operating Regulations.
