Hopkins welcomes move on GLAS 2

Roscommon Galway election candidate Cllr Maura Hopkins has welcomed the news that the first letters have been sent out from the Department of Agriculture and have been received by farmers who applied for the GLAS 2 scheme.

“Having spoken with a number farmers over the last number of months in relation to their applications to GLAS, I was happy to note that many local farmers have received letters confirming their GLAS 2 contracts. I understand that over 10,000 letters were sent out, and that the balance of applications are currently under review,” she said.

“The level of interest in GLAS locally has been huge, reflecting national standards, as over 38,000 farmers have been approved into the scheme in the last four months. The Government must continue to deliver on their commitment to implement accessible schemes which recognise the critical role played by Irish farmers environmentally in the community. Glas can play a huge part in this commitment.

“I have been in touch with Minister Coveney in relation to the scheme on behalf of constituents in Galway and I understand that the majority of the first installments of the payment will be made by the end of year.

“A third tranche of GLAS will open later in the year and I would urge any farmer who was unsuccessful in this round to re-examine their proposed farm-plan in consultation with their local advisors.

“Under Fine Gael’s stewardship, the agri-food sectors are recovering and beginning to thrive once more, and I am glad to see locally that young people are now seeing agriculture as a viable career again.

“We need to do everything in our power to promote both young and older farmers on a local level, and schemes like the GLAS, among others, play a vital role in this. Coming from a farming background, I know that farming needs to become more accessible and schemes like this must be promoted, with farmers receiving maximum support in their application. If elected, promoting farming businesses as viable and profitable businesses will be a priority of mine.

“We need a Government representative in Dáil Eireann who understands the concerns of farmers and can relay issues to members of the cabinet and key decision-makers. If elected, I will do everything in my power to ensure that farming is seen as an excellent twenty-first century profession, relevant to all ages and backgrounds,” she added.