More agricultural businesses get environmental funding

Government officials have announced the award of a second tranche of grants designed to encourage agricultural businesses to use new technologies to reduce pollution.


Under the terms of the Scheme Of Investment Aid For Demonstration On-Farm Waste Processing Facilities, agricultural businesses can obtain money to implement new projects which will help them meet the requirements of the Irish Nitrates Directive.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mary Coughlan, revealed that eight new projects would now be supported by the grants.

This is in addition to the three earlier projects, whose funding Minister Coughlan announced previously.

Businesses who qualify can receive up to Euro 1million on a 40% grant rate.

The Minister stated that the funding should prove a significant benefit to farmers in terms of meeting their requirements under the Nitrates Regulations.

Earlier this week, Minister John Gormley, welcomed the EU Commission’s decision to close infringement proceedings in relation to the implementation of the Nitrates Directive.

“The next step is to ensure the effective implementation of Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme and to secure the necessary improvement in the quality of our waterways and groundwaters,” he added.

James Cooper

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