Record GLAS applications level in 2015

The 40,000 applications for the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme made 2015 the most successful year ever in the development and implementation of any agri-environment scheme, said Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney last week.

GLAS Tranche 1 attracted more than 26,000 applications, and the second tranche launched last October received a further 14,000 applications before the mid- December closing date.

The level of applications to GLAS under both tranches will result in the funding committed to the scheme for 2016 being fully utilised, said Mr Coveney. The value of the average contract submitted under both Tranches is over €4,000, not including GLAS Plus cases.