Fencing crux for farmers in SACs

FARMERS in environmentally protected areas will have to seek planning permission before they erect sheep fencing under the TAMS (Targeted Agricultural Mondernisation Scheme) grants regime.

But the IFA has received confirmation that farmers outside of these sensitive areas do not require planning permission.

The Dept. of Agriculture stated that if the proposed sheep fencing – whether new or replacement – is in a Special Area of Conservation, a National Heritage Area, a Special Protection Area or a Natura 2000 habitat, or in any upland or seaside area that has not been previously fenced or enclosed, planning permission or a declaration of exemption from the relevant local authority is required at time of application for the grant.

Galway IFA sheep chairman Michael Murphy said he could not understand why hill farmers were being forced to overcome an additional obstacle.

“They shouldn’t have to get planning permission. We don’t want anyone to have to get it. It’s not that simple to apply for planning permission for anything and it will probably put an extra cost on lads. We would certainly be calling for them to get extra per meter of fencing to cover the cost of the planning,” he said.

IFA rural development chairman Joe Brady said this additional cost cannot be allowed to erode the value of the grant to farmers in restricted areas.

“There must be increased standard costs to meet these costs. There should also be flexibility for those farmers concerned about getting planning permission or exemptions by the application deadline of June 24.”

Sheep fencing was included in the TAMS II (Targeted Agricultural Mondernisation Scheme) scheme under the last Budget after it had been omitted in the first scheme.

The first tranche of applications closes on June 24, with a second one the following day.

Farms can qualify for a ‘reference cost’ rate of €5.34c per linear metre for sheep mesh with one strand of wire – in mountain areas that figure rises to €8.01c per linear metre. Farmers who erect gateways will receive €299 per gateway.

Applicants can apply online under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme; The Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme; and the Organic Scheme.