The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, has opened the new Burren Programme for applications from interested farmers. The new scheme is one of the flagship projects to be supported under the proposed new Locally-Led Measure for the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020.
The Burren Programme is targeted at farmers with SAC land and other species-rich grazed habitats in the Burren, and focuses specifically on the conservation of that unique farming landscape in counties Clare and Galway. This programme will build on the success and experience of similar schemes for the Burren piloted under the Burren LIFE Project (2005-2010) and the Burren Farming for Conservation Programme (2011-2015). Principles which have evolved out of those schemes are central to how the new measure goes about meeting its objectives of conserving the unique heritage, environment and communities of the Burren.
Negotiations with the EU Commission are at an advanced stage and the required formal amendment to the Rural Development Programme to introduce the new scheme has been submitted. While this process is expected to take some time yet to complete, Minister Coveney said he had decided to open the new scheme immediately in order to ensure that contracts could be initiated from 1 January 2016 once formal approval is received. Contracts will be for five years and the Minister confirmed that further tranches would open in 2016 and 2017, also offering full five year contracts.
“The Locally-Led schemes are a new departure for us, and with that in mind I have asked that the application process be kept as simple as possible,” the Minister said. The application form itself consists of just two pages with three simple questions which the farmer can easily complete him or herself. The application form and an accompanying information note on the proposed new Burren Programme are now available on the Department’s website at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/locallyledschemes/. Closing date for applications is 5pm on the 21st December 2015.
The Minister also confirmed that work is progressing on identifying other schemes which will be included under the Locally Led umbrella later in 2016 and into 2017. Freshwater pearl mussel catchments, hen harrier habitats and peat uplands have all been identified as candidates for support under the new scheme, and other candidates will emerge from a competitive process which will be announced during 2016.
Further information on the new Burren Programme can be obtained from:
Burren Life, telephone 065-708900, or
Locally Led Scheme Section, DAFM, telephone 076 1064454.
