There have been 9,600 applications for GLAS III since it opened on 3 November up to Friday of last week. The Department has said there will be no extension to the 15 December deadline for planners to submit online applications.

The scheme looks set to be over-subscribed if the Department does not exceed the target of 50,000 participating farmers. Currently, there are 26,500 farmers approved in the first tranche of GLAS and 11,500 in the second tranche. This leaves just 12,000 spaces for the third tranche.

The Department may decide to approve more applications in this tranche than was envisaged, given the estimated €376m underspend exclusively published in the Irish Farmers Journal last month.

If the scheme is over-subscribed, the Department will use the tier system to decide on approvals. Farmers who rank in the tier one category will be prioritised. Access is then allocated to applicants ranked in tier two and tier three respectively. Depending on environmental assets located on the farm or certain actions a farmer selects in their application will decide the tier the application falls under.

Planners are encouraging farmers who are considering making an application to make contact as soon as possible to allow adequate time to make the application before the closing date.

Laying of hedgerows

Farmers participating in GLAS I and chose the laying of hedgerows action must have their hedge laid by 28 February 2017. According to the Department, laying cannot be carried out using heavy machinery. Infilling must be carried out if gaps are present in the hedgerow that will not be filled by regrowth from the laid hedgerow. Plant a minimum of four plants per metre consisting of whitethorn, blackthorn or holly in line with the existing hedge.

Any plants that die must be replaced during the next dormant season. Infilling of gaps must be undertaken by 28 February 2017. For GLAS II farmers, the deadline is 30 November 2017. Newly laid hedges must be fenced with a stock-proof fence where they are not protected by a private laneway, public road or watercourse.

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