DAERA responsible for noxious weeds

Responsibility to enforce the Noxious Weeds (NI) Order 1977 falls to DAERA, but it seems to be a case of fairly light-touch regulation.

In an answer to a question from north Down MLA Alan Chambers, Minister for Agriculture Michelle McIlveen confirmed that DAERA will investigate complaints made about four noxious weeds (thistle, ragwort, dock and wild oats) provided the weeds threaten to spread to agricultural land. Failure to control these weeds results in a statutory notice being issued. If it is not complied with, prosecution can result.

However, in the last five years, only 30 landowners have received statutory notices for being in breach of the order.

The minister also confirmed that no statutory notices have been served on Transport NI in relation to roadway verges over the same five-year period although, on two occasions, reports were received about weeds on Transport NI land.

“The required action to control the noxious weeds was taken by Transport NI following investigation of the sites by my officials,” confirmed the minister.

NICMS eligible payments made

Approximately 500 of the 1,477 eligible applicants to the Northern Ireland Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) in 2015 have been paid, Minister for Agriculture Michelle McIlveen has confirmed.

The minister also urged any scheme participant who has received a second-stage claim for NICMS to check it carefully, make any necessary adjustments and then return the claim to DAERA promptly.

350 farmers to get flood aid

Approximately 350 farmers in the catchment area of Lough Neagh and Upper Lough Erne are in line to receive £1,000 of assistance following floods last winter.

On 10 March, the Stormont Executive agreed that an Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme be established for non-domestic properties, including farm businesses, to cover the period 7 November 2015 until 31 January 2016.

To be eligible for assistance, at least 10% of the farm had to be under water for at least 14 days. Only farms in specified townlands could apply.

In an answer to a written MLA question, Minister for Agriculture Michelle McIlveen confirmed that the scheme, which is administered by local councils, has received a substantial response.

“My Department is finalising the checking of claims with approximately 350 farm businesses expected to meet the criteria. Councils have already issued the first batch of payments to farm businesses and the remainder will follow soon,” she said.

YFCU receives DAERA funding

The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) has received a two-year funding package from DAERA worth £150,000.

Making the announcement, Minister for Agriculture Michelle McIlveen said: “This two-year funding package will enable them to offer a wider range of activities, as well as encouraging involvement and commitment to education and training.”

DAERA staff option of Ballykelly

Staff based in DAERA’s headquarters in Dundonald House, Belfast, will not be forced to move to Ballykelly, Minister for Agriculture Michelle McIlveen has confirmed.

In an answer to a written MLA question, the minister also rejected any suggestion that the HQ move was a factor in staff leaving the Department under the civil service wide voluntary exit scheme. In total, of the 392 who left under the scheme, 104 were based in Dundonald House.

“Staff should not have felt that taking voluntary exit was the only alternative to relocating to Ballykelly,” said the minister.