€10m pearl mussel scheme opens

The latest locally-led agri-environmental scheme is seeking expressions of interest from farmers.

Thomas Hubert

3 April 2019

The river Blackwater on the Cork and Kerry border is among those eligible to the scheme. \ Valerie O'Sullivan

Farmers in eight designated areas across the west have until 30 April to express interest in the €10m freshwater pearl mussel scheme. Payments can be up to €225/ha depending on the quality of the habitat provided for the endangered river shellfish, up to €700/farm for floodplains along rivers and up to €1,200/farm to carry out specific actions. See pearlmusselproject.ie.

New €10m agri-environmental scheme for the west

New €550,000 locally led scheme launched in Wexford

RELATED STORIES

Stephen Robb

Critical farm renewables reset needed

With an election looming, in the first of two articles, Stephen Robb explores whether it is time for a critical reset in our approach to renewable electricity development on farms.

Party manifestos avoid forestry's role in achieving net zero by mid-century

Donal Magner

Party manifestos avoid forestry's role in achieving net zero by mid-century

Fine Gael, Labour and Green Party strongest on a balanced ecological and commercial forestry programme, while Sinn Féin proposes native only tree species.

Brendan Dunford

Working with water and wildlife in Co Wexford

Joe Roche is a great example of a commercial dairy farmer with a genuine interest in protecting the water quality and natural habitats on his farm, writes Brendan Dunford.

Panel to advise Muir on new green quango

David Wright

Panel to advise Muir on new green quango

Minister Muir supports the creation of an independent environmental protection agency in NI