Deputy Smith asked the minister about the impact of storms on ACRES.

No blanket ACRES extensions

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Despite the havoc caused by Storm Éowyn, the Minister for Agriculture ruled out a blanket extension for ACRES deadlines, but indicated there would be leeway given in individual cases.

Local TD Brendan Smith raised with the difficulties that may occur for some participants in ACRES in carrying out some of the required measures on time due to recent storms.

The Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD asked Minister Martin Heydon if he would consider extending deadlines for specific work to be carried out by participants in ACRES in view of delays caused by the storms.

Minister Heydon responded: “There are currently no plans to provide blanket extensions to such deadlines. Upon notification of an ACRES inspection, Department inspectors will take into account any issues or damage identified by the participant as a consequence of Storm Éowyn on a case-by-case basis. If inspections result in adverse findings that may be attributable to the storm, an application from the participant for force majeure will be considered where appropriate."

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