HARD pressed planners, advisors and farmers need an extra week to try and get their GLAS application forms submitted, according to Connacht IFA Regional Chairman, Tom Turley.
He said that the Minister and the Dept. of Agriculture needed to show a reasonable approach to the GLAS deadline situation as planners also had to deal with changes that had emerged over the past couple of weeks.
“This was always going to be a struggle given the very tight window for applications that was in place. The very least that’s needed now is an extra week to try and get everyone over the line,” said Tom Turley.
This week, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture. Éamon Ó Cuív said that the Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney ‘remains in denial’ over the new agri-environment scheme GLAS.
The number of completed applications to the scheme, he said, had fallen far short of the mark despite the fact that the May 22nd deadline is fast approaching.
“Minister Coveney’s forecast that 25,000 applications would be completed by the May 22 deadline remains to be seen, while there has been a very serious moving of the goalposts with regard to the criteria for GLAS, Tier 3 applications.
“The fact that planners were only made aware of these changes 16 days before the closing date for applications is completely unacceptable and is another example of this Minister’s scant disregard for the farming community.
“When I questioned him in the Dáil this week, Minister Coveney was unable to deny that the figure for commonage farmers applying for GLAS is as low as 20%. This is an unprecedentedly weak take-up, especially given such designated lands,” said Deputy Ó Cuív.
IFA Rural Development Chairman, Flor McCarthy, said that the Minister must ensure that all applicants who apply for the current phase of GLAS are accepted into the scheme.
He said that there had been so many changes to the specification and terms and conditions since the scheme was first opened at the end of February, flexibility must now be shown in allowing all farmers into the scheme. “All the problems with the IT system have not helped in maximising uptake,” said Mr. McCarthy.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
