Conservation call goes out for Burren farmers
It is one of the flagship projects to be supported under the proposed new Locally-Led Measure for the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020.
The scheme is targeted at farmers with land designated as special areas of conservation and other species-rich grazed habitats.
It focuses specifically on the conservation of that unique farming landscape in counties Clare and Galway.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said this programme will build on the success and experience of similar schemes for the Burren.
These were piloted under the Burren LIFE Project (2005-2010) and the Burren Farming for Conservation Programme (2011-2015).
He said 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 European Commission are at an advanced stage and the required formal amendment to the Rural Development Programme has been submitted.
Minister Coveney said he had decided to open the new scheme immediately to ensure contracts could be initiated from January, once formal approval is received.
Contracts will be for five years and the minister confirmed that further tranches would open in 2016 and 2017.
“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,” he said, announcing that the closing date for applications is 5pm on December 21.
