IFA Call for Removal of Fencing Planning Requirements in Sacs in New Sheep Grant Scheme

IFA Hill Committee Chairman Tom Fadian has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith, to remove the requirement for planning for sheep fencing on private designated land under the recently introduced Sheep Handling + Fencing grant scheme.

Mr Fadian said it is unreasonable to request planning permission for fencing in SACs, SPAs and NHAs as these areas are already protected under prescribed actions.

“Seeking planning permission will add cost and eat into the new grant scheme where farmers can draw a maximum of €4,000. Furthermore it will delay projects and will add to further bureaucracy on hill- farms,” he said.

Mr Fadian said the requirement of planning for sheep fencing in designated areas is unreasonable and should be removed by Minister Smith.