ICMSA to resist Teagasc fees’ rise

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) yesterday said it will resist any attempt by Teagasc to increase fees for services provided to farmers.

It is believed the authority has proposed a 7.25% increase in REPS planning charges and general advisory fees.

A Teagasc spokesman said its board had sanctioned a proposed increase in fees but this requires ministerial sanction, which is in the process of being sought.

ICMSA Farm Services and Environment Committee chairperson Lorcan McCabe said it is completely unacceptable Teagasc is intending to take this course of action.

The Department of Agriculture and Food had made clear the process of REPS planning will be significantly simplified under the new REPS III scheme. The ICMSA therefore believes all planners should reduce their fees accordingly.

Mr McCabe said the department has also informed ICMSA that it has reached agreement with the Ordnance Survey, at a cost of €1.3 million, to make maps available free to all REPS planners.

“Now that the cost of maps, which previously was a significant cost on planners, is no longer an issue, this saving should be passed on to farmers in the form of reduced planning fees,” he said.

Warning that the ICMSA will resist an increase in Teagasc fees, he said the authority should seek to cut fees internally and become a more efficient organisation.