Farmers protest planned for Dublin this morning

Farmers will hold a protest in Dublin later this morning over the "entry criteria" set out by the new GLAS scheme.

The rally is being held to highlight their concerns over the restrictions imposed in conservation areas and the lack of a commonage framework plan.

GLAS is the agri-environment scheme, replacing the Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

The protest will take place outside both the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht offices from 11am.

The Chairman of the IFA Hill Farming Committee, Pat Dunne, explained that 80% agreement was needed by commonage farmers to get into the scheme.

"We see that as very unfair … we want equal opportunities for all farmers."

He also said the Minister had refused to engage with the group.