Written answer
Agriculture Schemes
The Minister said ACRES geese and swan requirements would remain unchanged, though drought-related flexibilities, including earlier mowing, had been introduced.
1004. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if under ACRES an extension could be applied to the geese and swans grazing due the drought during the summer. [65738/26]
Comment on this
With reference to the Geese and Swans action undertaken by participants in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) the requirements continue to apply and there are currently no plans to amend these requirements.
The timeframes for the action, which can be delivered on either a grassland or tillage parcel, are aligned with the objective of the action which is to promote the production of an undisturbed foraging area to support overwintering geese and swans.
As the Deputy is aware, I announced, last month, as increase in BISS, CRISS and ECO Scheme advance payments and flexibilities on ACRES in response to prolonged dry spell. I also announced a flexibility to ACRES participants related to the mowing of lands under six ACRES actions for 2026 whereby it could be undertaken earlier than the normal scheme requirement date of 31 August.
I continue to closely monitor developments in respect of potential impacts on fodder supply due to extended dry weather in the Summer.