161 FNMS applicants still waiting on approval
19 November 2008
TUV MEP Jim Allister has discovered that a significant number of farm nutrient management scheme applicants have still not had approvals issued. In recent correspondence with DARD, it has been revealed that 161 applications await approval to start works. Of these, 45 applications are awaiting planning permission, 28 are awaiting NIE consent, and 11 are being held up due to probate/engineer/ quotations queries. 77 applications are currently with DARD inspectors awaiting decision.
Jim Allister MEP commented,
“While we have been told this scheme will officially close on 31st December, naturally I fear that a sizeable number of applicants will lose out on grant aid to be able to comply with the requirements of the Nitrates Directive. Indeed, the Department has itself delayed progress in the roll out of the scheme, through capping the level of grant aid on certain eligible items of expenditure under what it deemed ‘reasonable costs’.”
“Understandably, concern is primarily with those applicants who may struggle to submit a claim for works completed by the 31st December end date. However, it is alarming that 161 individuals have yet to receive their consents to start works.”
ENDS
