The Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)
Specification for REPS Planners
in the
Preparation of REPS 3 Plans
Department of
Agriculture and Food
The Rural Environment Protection Scheme is a Measure included in the CAP Rural Development Plan,
co-funded under the National Development Plan 2000 – 2006 and the European Agricultural Guidance
and Guarantee Fund of the European Union in the implementation of Council Regulation (EC)
No1257/1999 as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 1783/2003
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 5
DESCRIPTION OF EACH REPS MEASURE ........................................................................... 6
DRAWING UP A REPS 2000 PLAN ....................................................................................... 12
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 12
SUMMARY OF MANDATORY BIODIVERSITY UNDERTAKINGS .................................... 12
FIELD PROCEDURE BY PLANNER .................................................................................. 13
General Plan Preparation Guidelines ................................................................. 13
MEASURE 1 ............................................................................................................................ 20
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................... 20
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 20
Plan Preparation under Measure 1 ..................................................................... 20
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure .......................................................... 32
MEASURE 2 ............................................................................................................................ 34
GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................ 34
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 34
Plan Preparation under Measure 2 ..................................................................... 34
Measure 2 Options ............................................................................................... 36
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure ............................................. 37
MEASURE 3 ............................................................................................................................ 38
PROTECT AND MAINTAIN WATERCOURSES, WATERBODIES AND WELLS ........................ 38
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 38
Plan Preparation under Measure 3 ..................................................................... 38
Measure 3 Options ............................................................................................... 40
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure ............................................. 41
MEASURE 4 ............................................................................................................................ 42
RETAIN WILDLIFE HABITATS ...................................................................................... 42
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 42
Plan Preparation under Measure 4 ..................................................................... 43
Measure 4 Options ............................................................................................... 44
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure ............................................. 46
MEASURE 5 ............................................................................................................................ 47
MAINTAIN FARM AND FIELD BOUNDARIES ................................................................... 47
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 47
Plan Preparation under Measure 5 ..................................................................... 47
Measure 5 Options ............................................................................................... 52
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure ............................................. 53
MEASURE 6 ............................................................................................................................ 55
RESTRICTED USE OF PESTICIDES AND FERTILISERS ....................................................... 55
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 55
Plan Preparation under Measure 6 ..................................................................... 55
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure ............................................. 56
MEASURE 7 ............................................................................................................................ 57
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PROTECT FEATURES OF HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST......................... 57
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 57
Plan Preparation under Measure 7 ..................................................................... 57
Measure 7 Options ............................................................................................... 58
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure ............................................. 59
MEASURE 8 ............................................................................................................................ 60
MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE VISUAL APPEARANCE OF FARM AND FARMYARD ................... 60
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 60
Plan Preparation under Measure 8 ..................................................................... 60
Measure 8 Options ............................................................................................... 63
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure ............................................. 63
MEASURE 9 ............................................................................................................................ 64
TILLAGE CROP PRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 64
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 64
Plan Preparation under Measure 9 ..................................................................... 64
Measure 9 Options .................................................................................................... 65
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure ............................................. 68
MEASURE 10 .......................................................................................................................... 69
TRAINING IN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FARMING PRACTICES ............................... 69
Introduction: ........................................................................................................ 69
Course Preparation under Measure 10 ............................................................... 69
Plan Requirements for this Measure.................................................................... 70
MEASURE 11 .......................................................................................................................... 71
THE MAINTENANCE OF FARM AND ENVIRONMENTAL RECORDS .................................... 71
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 71
Plan Requirements for this Measure.................................................................... 71
MEASURE A ........................................................................................................................... 72
CONSERVATION OF NATURAL HERITAGE ..................................................................... 72
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 72
Plan Preparation Under Measure A .................................................................... 72
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure ............................................. 74
Planning for Target Land Farmed Outside the General REPS Programme ....... 75
SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURES ........................................................................................... 76
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 76
SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURE 1 .......................................................................................... 77
CORNCRAKE HABITATS ............................................................................................ 77
SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURE 2 .......................................................................................... 81
TRADITIONAL IRISH ORCHARDS................................................................................ 81
SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURE 3 .......................................................................................... 85
CONSERVATION OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES .................................................. 85
SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURE 4 .......................................................................................... 87
RIPARIAN ZONES ................................................................................................. 87
SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURE 5 .......................................................................................... 88
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LINNET (LAND INVESTED IN NATURE, NATURAL ECO- TILLAGE) HABITATS ......... 88
SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURE 6.......................................................................................... 91
ORGANIC FARMING ............................................................................................ 91
General Conditions .............................................................................................. 91
Eligibility.............................................................................................................. 91
Plan Preparation ................................................................................................. 92
IN CONVERSION .................................................................................................................... 94
APPENDIX 1 ........................................................................................................................... 97
APPROVED SOIL SAMPLING PROCEDURE ..................................................... 97
LABORATORIES APPROVED FOR SOIL ANALYSIS UNDER REPS ............. 99
APPENDIX 2 ......................................................................................................................... 100
APPENDIX 3 ......................................................................................................................... 105
APPENDIX 4 ......................................................................................................................... 107
APPENDIX 5 ......................................................................................................................... 109
NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS PRODUCTION FIGURES ............................................. 109
APPENDIX 6 ......................................................................................................................... 111
CENTRAL AND REGIONAL FISHERIES BOARD ADDRESSES ........................................... 111
APPENDIX 7 ........................................................................................................................ 112
HEDGEROW INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 112
NON-NATIVE HEDGEROW SPECIES............................................................... 118
APPENDIX 8 ......................................................................................................................... 121
COMMONAGE ISSUES ....................................................................................... 121
CONSERVATION OF THE BURREN ............................................................................... 127
Conditions For The Conservation Of The High Burren. .................................................. 127
Conditions For The Conservation Of Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) In The
Burren Foothills ................................................................................................. 128
CONDITIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BLANKET BOGS, HEATHS AND UPLAND
GRASSLANDS PROPOSED OR DESIGNATED AS NHAS UNDER THE RURAL
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION SCHEME ..................................................................... 130
FARMING CONDITIONS FOR SAND DUNE AND MACHAIR AREAS................................... 133
APPENDIX 9 ......................................................................................................................... 136
BIRD BOXES ............................................................................................................ 136
INDEX ........................................................................................................................................ 1
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INTRODUCTION
The objectives of the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) are:

To establish farming practices and production methods that reflect the increasing
concern for conservation, landscape protection and wider environmental problems.

To protect wildlife habitats and endangered species of flora and fauna.

To produce quality food in an extensive and environmentally friendly manner.
The Specification for REPS Planners sets out the requirements to achieve these objectives.
The Scheme is designed to reward farmers for carrying out their farming activities in an
environmentally friendly manner. It is also designed to bring about environmental improvement
on existing farms.
Participants in the Scheme must carry out their farming activities for a five-year period in
accordance with an approved agri-environmental plan and the requirements set out in the
REPS 3 Farmers Handbook.
A plan, specific to each farm, shall be prepared by an Agency
approved by the Department of Agriculture and Food. Each plan shall be reviewed/amended as
appropriate.
Farmers who comply fully with the Scheme conditions will qualify for an annual payment as
detailed in the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
On entering REPS the farmer undertakes, as part of the agreement with the Department, to
farm the lands (whether owned, leased, rented or used) according to the Terms and Conditions
of the Scheme, his/her approved agri-environmental plan and/or the requirements of the REPS
3 Farmers Handbook.
Failure to comply with the approved plan and/or the requirements set out in the REPS 3
Farmers Handbook may result in a monetary penalty or suspension from the Scheme, and
may require reimbursement of all or portion of payments already given.
Planners and farmers should note that the artificial creation/enlargement of holdings (i.e. the
creation or enlargement of farming units for the purposes of drawing down or for topping up
REPS payments) is not permitted.
This specification shall apply to all new REPS 3 plans, and all REPS plans transformed for
existing REPS participants into new REPS 3 five year contracts.
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DESCRIPTION OF EACH REPS MEASURE
Measure 1
Nutrient Management
This measure promotes the efficient use of nutrients in an environmentally friendly manner. It
involves a systematic evaluation of all the nutrient sources available and required on the farm
and sets limits on the application rates for chemical fertilisers, organic fertilisers and other
nutrient sources. These limits must be fully in place on all participating farms from the
commencement of the agreement. All necessary animal housing, feed and waste storage
facilities to meet REPS requirements must be in place before the first winter after acceptance
into the Scheme.
The objective of this measure is to protect the quality of our water resources by avoiding
pollution from agriculture.
Measure 2
Grassland Management
Excessive poaching and overgrazing of grassland can result in siltation and nutrient
enrichment of surface waters. The adoption of a specific grassland management plan by
farmer participants will ensure a balance between agricultural and environmental demands.
The objective of this measure is to promote a sustainable grassland management plan that
protects habitats, minimises poaching, overgrazing and soil erosion.
Measure 3
Protect and maintain watercourses and wells
Riparian margins are an important habitat to a wide range of flora and fauna. The
development of streamside vegetation strengthens channel banks and acts as a buffer strip to
intercept overland flow of nutrients. Buffer zones around wells also contribute to the protection
of water quality.
The objective of this measure is to avoid the nutrient enrichment of water from agriculture and
thus maintain or improve water quality. To this end the protection of watercourses enables
natural streamside vegetation to develop and improve biodiversity by attracting a wide range
of flora and fauna.
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Measure 4
Retain Wildlife Habitats
Wildlife habitats can be on any area of the farm, but the most important ones are often areas
peripheral to normal farming operations. These areas have largely been undisturbed by
drainage, ploughing, re-seeding nor subjected to heavy fertiliser or herbicide use and retain
their unique characteristics.
Some habitats have developed naturally during the 10,000
years since the last ice age and are irreplaceable, while other habitats have developed as a
result of centuries of traditional farming practice and are dependent upon the continuation of
that management.
The objective of this measure is to retain habitats and to ensure that farming practices on
these areas are carried out in a manner beneficial to the interests of wildlife and conservation
generally.
MEASURE 5
Maintain Farm and Field Boundaries.
Linear boundaries which include stonewalls, earth or stone banks, hedgerows and mature
trees give the Irish landscape its distinctive character and field pattern. These provide
important habitats for flora and fauna and function as linear corridors permitting wildlife to
move between habitats such as woodlands, wetlands etc.
The objective of this measure is to conserve, maintain and enhance boundary fences,
roadside fences, stonewalls and hedgerows in the interest of stock control, bio-security,
wildlife and scenic appearance of the area.
Measure 6
Restricted use of Pesticides and Fertilisers
The improper and/or inappropriate use of pesticides and fertilisers can dramatically upset the
balance of flora and fauna resulting in a major reduction in biodiversity. Pesticides, apart from
reducing biodiversity, may leave residues in water that are harmful to humans and animals.
Fertiliser entering waterbodies adds to nutrient enrichment resulting in eutrophication and
unwanted plant growth that impedes water flows.
The objective of this measure is to protect water resources and habitats for flora and fauna,
by restricting the use of pesticides and fertilisers in the vicinity of field boundaries, ponds,
streams and wells.
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Measure 7
Protect Features of Historical and Archaeological Interest
The countryside of Ireland contains an important record of Irish history - a rich heritage of
historical and archaeological monuments. Increasingly, mechanised farming practices and
changes in land use have threatened this ancient landscape.
The objective of this measure is to promote greater awareness of these features on farms and
to establish the management strategies required to protect them.
Measure 8
Maintain and Improve Visual Appearance of Farm and Farmyard
There are many examples of structurally sound old farm buildings of limestone, granite or
sandstone construction. These structures, with some maintenance, can be preserved.
Neglect of these buildings is a loss to the countryside because such structures are important
historic features that contribute to the character of an area.
Considerable quantities of waste materials are generated by modern farming practices and
their disposal should be carefully planned so as to avoid or minimise the risk of causing
environmental pollution. These pose a threat to animal welfare as well as attracting vermin.
The objective of this Measure is to promote a greater awareness of the need to harmonise the
visual impact of the farmyard and the farm with the surrounding countryside. This includes the
retention of traditional farm buildings, the maintenance of existing farm buildings and the
removal of visual eyesores and litter.
Measure 9
Tillage Crop Production
It is widely assumed that tillage land is of low conservation value compared to more marginal
agricultural land where farming is less intensive. This may be true when farms are looked at
individually but it does not mean that management of the typical tillage farm is of no
significance to conservation.
Tillage land, especially when intermixed with grassland, provides an important habitat for
many seed eating birds such as larks and finches and is also a safe habitat for ground nesting
birds.
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The objective of this measure is to encourage tillage farming practices and production
methods that reflect the increasing concern for conservation, landscape protection and wider
environmental problems.
Measure 10
Training in Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices
The increasing importance of environmental sustainability and the positive contribution the
farming community can exert on the environment highlights the need for appropriate
education. Training to equip farmers with the necessary skills to manage the farm in an
environmentally friendly fashion is essential.
The objective of this measure is to provide participants with information on the environmental
benefits arising from REPS, clarification of all the relevant scheme requirements and the
knowledge and skills necessary to implement their REPS plan.
Measure 11
The Maintenance of Farm and Environmental Records
The timely recording of relevant management information has long been considered the
keystone for effective farm management. Use of records as a management tool will result in a
consequent improvement in the efficiency and viability of the farm unit.
The objective of this measure is to record management information and practices undertaken
throughout each year of the REPS contract on the prescribed record sheets. This will assist
the farmer in complying with the specific undertakings of the REPS plan.
Mandatory Biodiversity Undertakings
To achieve increased biodiversity at farm level, enhancement of the eleven basic Measures is
desirable. By providing farmers with a choice from a series of optional undertakings, each
farmer is given the opportunity to select the works most appropriate to the environmental or
landscape features of the farm in question.
The objective of these mandatory undertakings is to further enhance the promotion of
biodiversity on farms by encouraging farmers to select environmental options best suited to
their own farm.
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Measure A
Conservation of Natural Heritage
Designated target areas include Commonages, Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) proposed or
designated by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, farmlandbased Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated under Council Directive 92/43/EEC
on the Conservation of Natural Habitats or Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated under
Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the protection of Wild Birds. These target areas require
specific prescriptions and conditions that set down detailed management plans for each
identified habitat type.
The objective of Measure A is to provide a comprehensive approach to the conservation
and/or regeneration of designated target areas. Farmers holding lands, in the designated
target areas, must follow obligations set out under this measure as a condition of joining
REPS.
Supplementary Measures
Supplementary Measure 1 Corncrake Habitats
The corncrake is a globally threatened migratory bird which was formerly widespread in hay
meadows throughout Ireland. In recent decades it has become restricted to wetlands and
poor farmland, possibly as a result of changing farming practices.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to enhance the habitat structure and
availability of breeding sites for the corncrake over the summer and autumn months.
Supplementary Measure 2 Traditional Irish Orchards
Many varieties of Native Irish apple trees in existence were presumed extinct. This measure
will provide an incentive to ensure the survival of this unique resource. Native varieties of
apple trees may help to develop, through plant breeding techniques, new apple cultivars, or
increase the disease resistant properties of modern apple varieties.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to recreate orchards containing traditional
varieties of native Irish apple trees. This will increase the biodiversity of the local landscape
and provide a habitat for wildlife on the farm.
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Supplementary Measure 3 Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources
Local animal breeds play a significant role in maintaining the rural environment. Supporting
the conservation of these genetic resources will allow for the long-term survival of this
valuable genetic material, which could otherwise become extinct. These genetic resources
represent a significant element of the cultural heritage of farming in Ireland.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to assist farmers participating in REPS to rear
farm animals of local breeds, indigenous to the area, that are in danger of being lost to
farming.
Supplementary Measure 4 Riparian Zones
Many Irish rivers and their tributaries contain salmonid spawning grounds that are important in
the wider European context. The development of riparian zones provide a suitable habitat for
flora and fauna that sustain food webs important in the river ecosystem.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to provide shade to overly exposed
designated river channels and water bodies, to stabilise riverbanks and to intercept nutrients
transported in overland flow.
Supplementary Measure 5 LINNET (Land Invested in Nature, Natural Eco-Tillage)
Habitats
Over the past three decades, farming enterprises have become increasingly specialised in
response to market demands This has resulted in a decline in traditional mixed farming
systems. These changes, together with a reduced acreage of spring cereals, have led to a
reduction in the populations of farmland bird species because of a reduced food supply over
winter.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to alleviate the trend of landscape
homogenisation and simplification by encouraging the small-scale production of cereal plots,
especially in areas dominated by grassland.
Supplementary Measure 6 Organic Farming
Organic agriculture improves the sustainability of farming activities, thus contributing to the
various environmental and market aspirations emerging from society in general.
The objective of this supplementary measure is to encourage producers in REPS to respond
to the market demand for organically produced food.
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DRAWING UP A REPS 2000 PLAN
Introduction
An approved planner drawing up a REPS plan must prepare the plan in accordance with this
Manual and the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
To assist the Planner and provide clarity of information for the participant, the scheme
requirements under each Measure are divided into a number of sections as follows:
Introduction to the Measure (including on site assessment of the farm).
Plan Preparation.
Mapping and Plan Requirements.
The specific requirements including Mandatory Biodiversity Undertakings (REPS Options) are
set out in detail under each Measure. These are summarised as follows:
Summary of Mandatory Biodiversity Undertakings
Category 1 Options
Category 2 Options
OPTION
DESCRIPTION
OPTION
DESCRIPTION
Option 4A
Creation of a New Habitat
Option 2A
Traditional Hay Meadows
Option 5A
Hedgerow Rejuvenation
Option 2B
Species Rich Grassland
Option 5B
New Hedgerow
Option 3A
Increased Watercourse
Establishment.
Option 5C
Additional Stonewall
Margin.
Option 3B
Maintenance
Exclude all Bovine Access to
Watercourses
Option 9A
Green Cover Establishment
Option 4B
Broad Leaved Tree Planting
Option 9B
Environmental Management
Option 4C
Nature Corridors
Option 7A
Increase in Archaeological
of Setaside
Option 9C
Increased Arable Margins
Buffer Margins
Option 7B
Management of Publicly
Accessible Archaeological
Sites
Option 8A
Landscaping Around the
Farmyard
Participants in REPS must select two Options, one of which must be from Category 1. The
options chosen cannot be changed during the course of the plan.
13
Where on environmental grounds, the Options available are deemed to be inappropriate to
the holding, variations of the environmental requirements will be specified on a case-by-case
basis and included in the REPS plan.
Options 9A and 9C will be regarded as Category 2 Options for smaller enterprises.
The details of each Option are set out under the relevant REPS Measure e.g. Option 7B is
described under Measure 7.
General Planning Guidelines
There are a number of general planning guidelines that apply in preparing any REPS Plan.
These general planning guidelines are divided into field procedure guidelines and general
plan preparation guidelines.
Field Procedure by Planner
 Discuss with the farmer his/her current farming system and future plans including any
proposed investments. The Planner must be satisfied that the lands declared for REPS
meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
 Walk all the lands with the farmer and establish the external boundaries of the farm.
 Identify potential soil sampling sites.
 Note and mark on map all exclusions for the calculation of area for payment.
 Note all aspects of the farm as they relate to the Scheme and AgriEnvironmental plan requirements set out in this specification for each Measure.

All lands farmed by the applicant(s) must be included in the agri-environmental
plan. All lands owned by the applicant that are leased or rented out must also be detailed
in the plan.
 Discuss with the farmer the requirement (where appropriate) to select two of the
mandatory biodiversity REPS undertakings as set out above and detailed under each of
the relevant REPS Measures.
 Discuss with the farmer his/her interest in participating in the supplementary measures.
On the basis of the information furnished the farmer should be advised whether
participation in the Scheme is feasible.
General Plan Preparation Guidelines
When all information is collected, the planner in consultation with the farmer is in a position to
prepare the plan.
The planner must explain the scheme agri-environmental requirements to the farmer, identifying
those areas which require changes in his/her current farming practices, such as fertiliser usage
and any alterations and/or additions to animal housing, feed and waste storage facilities.
14
The plan must:

Set out the current status of the farm as it relates to the agri-environmental plan
requirements set out in this specification.

Identify by reference to the farm map the features that require to be protected,
maintained and managed.

Include a nutrient management plan that specifies limits for Nitrogen from animal and
other wastes, chemical Nitrogen and Phosphorus. The tonnage of lime to be applied
each year must also be set out.

Set out a programme of works to be undertaken by the farmer. Works under each
individual measure must be clearly set out in the plan. Specific work to be undertaken and
the time scale for its execution must be clearly set out.

Set out the requirements for Supplementary Measures where applicable.

Require setaside land to be managed in accordance with EU area aid requirements in
addition to REPS requirements. As set-aside can vary from year to year the planner
must take account of the set-aside as it exists at the time the plan is prepared. The
farmer must be advised that any changes in the area under set-aside at the time of
application for second or subsequent payments must be declared.

Be accompanied by any required documentation and/or undertakings.

Be accompanied by a REPS map.

Map Scales:
o
For maps produced and annotated using the REPS Mapping System, the
scales acceptable are 1:2500, 1:5000 and 1:10000. The planner must choose
the scale most appropriate to the field size that ensures legibility. Plans
containing maps that are not clearly legible will be rejected.
o
REPS Mapping System maps annotated by hand must be 1:2500 scale or
1:10000 for hill areas.
o
The only acceptable Ordnance Survey Maps are 1:2500 or 1:10560 for hill
areas.

Unauthorised photocopies of Ordnance Survey maps are not acceptable
The farmer must be informed that an area aid application must be made every year of the
REPS contract, to allow continued processing of annual payment applications.
Field numbering and feature identification system

All fields/plots included in the plan must be identified on the map by the Land Parcel
Identification Number assigned under the Integrated Administrative Control System
(IACS).

Each field/plot must be numbered sequentially irrespective of townsland numbering
from west to east and north to south.

Where REPS Plans and maps are amended, and new plots are added, numbering
should continue in sequence in the amended plan from the highest number in the
15
original plan. If plots are removed from the original plan, the remaining plots retain their
previous plot number in the amended plan. Where plots are removed and where new
plots are added numbering of such new plots should continue in sequence from the
highest plot number used in the original plan.

Where in the course of the farm survey it is found that:
A fence shown on the map has been removed, the previously separate fields must be
given one number - field or plot fences removed must be indicated on the farm map by
short parallel lines thus // at intervals on the removed fence.
A removed watercourse must be shown thus X.
A permanent fence not shown on the map is in place; the location of this fence must be
shown on the farm map by a broken line thus ------------A watercourse not shown on the map must be noted with blue colouring
An area within a field or plot has, for whatever reason, to be referred to specifically in
the agri-environmental farm plan, such an area must be surveyed. Any permanent
boundary marked by broken line -------------, with any temporary boundary noted by
a dotted line ••••••••••
The area thus enclosed must be identified as a sub-plot to the main plot; for example in
field or plot 2 in townland Ballinagall there is habitat such as an old ruin, woodland,
wetland, area used by migratory birds, corncrake breeding area, national heritage area
etc., this should be identified as a sub-plot and referred to as such in the agrienvironmental plan.
Areas Excluded from the Basic Payment

Areas identified for Supplementary Measure 2, Supplementary Measure 4 and
Supplementary Measure 5 of REPS, (traditional Irish orchards, riparian zones and LINNET
habitats respectively) must be marked S/M Excld on the map. Each part of the plot or field
within this area must be numbered as set out and referred to as such in all documentation.
Areas Excluded from All Payment

The area under non-rotational set-aside must be marked Setaside. Where such areas are
bounded by a permanent fence not shown on the farm map they must be marked on the
map by broken lines ---------- (or by
•••••••••• if bounded by a temporary fence) each
part of the plot or field within this area must be numbered as set out and referred to as such
in all documentation.

Commercial forestry areas must be edged red and marked C/F excld.

Conacre lands taken must be marked C/L on map(s).

Where the unexpired period of land leased in is less than 5 years it must be marked L<5.
16
All of the areas detailed above are excluded in the calculation of payment area but are subject
to all Measures except Measures 3 and 5; however, all rented land must be stock proofed.
Map Colour Code

External boundaries are edged in red.

Watercourses and ponds are shown by blue colouring.

Expansive waters such as lakes are shaded blue and are excluded from payment.

A well is marked W in small circle and shaded blue.

Hedgerows subject to Measure 5 are shown by a yellow line.

Stonewalls subject to Measure 5 are shown by a green line.

Areas excluded in the calculation of payment area are edged red and marked as set out
above.

Non-commonage target area lands must be outlined in orange, or hatched in orange if
using the RMS.
Map identification label
Each map submitted with an agri-environment plan must have townland(s) name(s) clearly
marked and bear a fully completed identification label and must be certified by the planner as
indicated on sample label below or as printed on maps produced by the REPS Mapping
System.
Agency
Official Use
Farmer
Ref:
Townland (O.S.)
County
I certify that this map has been compiled in accordance
with REPS instructions as set out in the Specification for
REPS Planners
Signed
Date
Planner
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Integration of Forestry and REPS
The objective of identifying areas suitable for afforestation in the REPS plan is to raise
farmers’ awareness of forestry as an alternative land use option which can be integrated with
REPS to achieve agricultural, environmental and socio-economic benefits.
The planner, in consultation with the farmer, must identify areas of the farm appropriate for
afforestation based on environmental, agricultural, forestry and socio-economic grounds.
Any afforestation of land should be designed to provide additional environmental benefits, to
offer greater habitat area overall, and to enhance biodiversity.
In assessing the suitability of lands for afforestation the planner must take into consideration

Soil type

Climatic conditions

Exposure of site

Existing habitats

Existing archaeological or historical features

Natural contours of the land

Visual impact

Complementarity of afforestation to the REPS objectives.
In identifying suitable areas planners should respect the following basic guidelines –

All Measure A target areas and all habitats listed under Measure 4 for retention must
be excluded from consideration for afforestation.

Planners should then identify between 10% and 20% of the remainder of the farm
that would be most suitable, in their opinion, based on environmental considerations,
for afforestation.

Planners should assure REPS applicants that the identification of areas most suitable
for forestry does not place any obligation on the farmer to plant the land.
The overall target for broadleaf species planted on REPS farms will be 35%, with a minimum
of 20% on individual farms. On farms where demonstrably broadleaf species cannot grow,
there should be a higher diversity of coniferous planting.
It is the responsibility of the REPS applicant/participant to notify the Forest Service of the
areas identified in their REPS plan as those most suited to forestry and this only occurs if the
REPS applicant/participant is interested in availing of the forestry measure of the Rural
Development Plan under Regulation EC 1257/1999 as amended.
18
Application Procedure
The planner and the farmer should ensure that the following is completed.
Documents to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Food when making an
application to join REPS 3.

REPS Application Form.

Original agri-environmental plan.

Any other required REPS forms where applicable.

1 set of original farm map(s) produced by the REPS Mapping System or original
Ordnance Survey 1:2500 scale. (Original 1:10560 (6") maps are adequate for
extensive areas such as commonages and hill farms).

Original soil analysis reports1.

Original farmyard sketch.

Supplementary Measure(s) documents where applicable.

A copy of current Area Aid application.

REPS 5V Form
A REPS application must be submitted within six months of the preparation of the REPS plan.
Documents to be Retained by the Farmer

A copy of all of the documentation listed above

A copy of the REPS 3 Farmers Handbook.

A copy of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.

Any documentation required to establish the eligibility of the lands declared for REPS.
Amendments to Agri-environmental Plans
The requirement to amend a REPS plan may be necessitated by:
1

where the planned stocking density is increased by 10% or more or decreased by
20% or more,

where the planned stocking levels increase by more than 10%. This requirement is
only applicable where there is an increase of more than 2 livestock units,
whichever is the greater,

where the plan is found to be deficient,

where additional land is acquired by inheritance purchase or lease (see Paragraph
16.1),

where the contract area is reduced by more than 2 hectares,

where there is a change in the main farming activity of the holding.
In all situations original laboratory soil analysis reports must be included with the REPS application unless valid
originals are already on the Department’s REPS file.
19
Where a plan is amended, it is essential to give the reason for amendment and include any
relevant documentation e.g. soil test reports, appropriate required REPS forms, maps etc with
the amended plan. In some cases e.g. increase in stocking density, the amended plan alone
is sufficient.
The Department of Agriculture and Food must be notified within 6 weeks of any necessary
change to the plan and the amended plan submitted at the same time as the REPS 1C
provided the 1C is submitted on time and without penalty.
Increased area for payment
Where there is an increase in the REPS eligible area and additional payment is sought a new
5-year plan is required and must be submitted within the 6-week period prior to the next
anniversary date.
An amended plan is not required where an area of 2ha or less is disposed of as a site, or, if
more than one site is disposed of during the five year period of the plan the total accumulated
area disposed of does not exceed 2 ha. provided that

Form REPS A is submitted within 6 weeks of the disposal.

The area disposed of is not an area to which Measure A applies

The area for payment may be reduced.
Reimbursement of aid previously paid on the area may be required from the farmer where
appropriate.
Derogation Requests
Derogations from the requirements set out in the Specification for REPS Planners may be
granted in very limited and specific circumstances. Requests for derogations must be fully
documented and submitted to the appropriate Regional Inspector. It is imperative that work
which is the subject of a derogation request must not take place until approval in writing has
issued to the farmer with a copy to the planner.
Where a derogation is granted prior to acceptance into the Scheme, the letter of approval from
the Department of Agriculture and Food must accompany the farmers REPS application.
Derogation requests must not accompany applications to join the REP Scheme.
20
Measure 1
Nutrient Management
Introduction
Farmers in REPS must follow a nutrient management plan that meets the objective of the
Measure.
In the course of the on site assessment of the farm prior to drawing up the plan, the planner
with the farmer must consider the following:

The current land use and farming system.

Soil sampling areas.

Areas of the farm on which nutrient application must be restricted.

The Commonage Framework Plan to establish the stocking limits for commonage
areas.

Farming prescriptions for designated SAC, SPA and NHA lands.

The pollution control facilities on the farm.

Whether these facilities are adequate.

Any additional facilities required to ensure that the statutory requirements to avoid
pollution can be met.

Whether all necessary animal housing and waste storage facilities, that meet REPS
requirements, can be in place before the first winter after acceptance into the
Scheme. (In the case of feed storage facilities, these must be in place before the first
silage making season after acceptance into the Scheme).
The Planner must remind farmers of their legal responsibilities under National and EU
legislation. If the farmer cannot comply with these legal obligations and the REP Scheme
requirements, then the farmer is not eligible to participate in REPS.
Plan Preparation under Measure 1
The Planner, in consultation with the farmer, when preparing and drawing up the REPS Plan,
must address the following principal issues:
A.
Nutrient Management Plan
B.
Adequacy of Farm Buildings and Yards
C.
Adequacy of Waste Storage Facilities
D.
Management of Stored Wastes
A. Nutrient Management Plan
1. Soil Sampling:
Soil sampling is required on lands that are in receipt of chemical fertilisers and/or applied
animal or other wastes. (Appendix 1 details an approved sampling procedure).
The farmer and the planner must establish the sampling areas before taking soil samples and
take representative soil samples as deemed necessary to establish a baseline soil fertility.
21
These areas will be identified and selected on the basis of such characteristics as soil type,
previous cropping and fertilising history. A sample should normally be taken from every 2-4
hectares. Exceptionally where soil types are similar and cropping and treatment of lands were
the same during the previous five years or more, a sample area of up to 12 hectares may be
acceptable. Peat and mineral soils must never be mixed in a soil sample. Peat soils are soils
that are 10cm or greater in depth and with an average of 30% organic matter.
In situations where chemical Phosphorus and Potassium and/or animal or other wastes have
been applied to land, the standard recommendation is that soil samples should not be taken
for at least 3 months from the date of such application.
In the case of conacre there is no requirement to take soil samples provided the planner
specifies phosphorus limits at or below maintenance levels.
A planner may accept soil sample results where the sample was taken by a competent agency
and analysed by an approved laboratory in the two years preceding the signing of the plan by
the planner. In all cases repeat soil samples must be taken once in every five and a half years.
Repeat soil samples should be taken from the same sampling area as that selected for the
original REPS plan where appropriate.
2. Nutrient Limits
General Requirements
To calculate the amount of Nitrogen from animal and other wastes used on the farm, the
livestock numbers planned for the farm must be established. Account must also be taken of any
animal or other wastes imported or exported onto or from the farm using information from
Appendix 5.
Imported waste is waste directly brought onto the farm from an outside source or waste
produced on the farm by animals that have been fed on fodder produced on another farm.
Exported waste is waste that is produced on a REPS farm and utilised on another REPS farm.
These wastes can only be exported to participants in REPS, with the exception of the following:

Poultry farmers who have contracts to supply manure to composting plants.

Stud farmers who have contracts to supply stable bedding to other livestock
producers and to composting plants.

Mushroom producers who supply spent compost on contract to composters.
Nitrogen
Grassland
The permitted level of total nitrogen for the grassland area cannot exceed 260 Kg/ha. The
permitted level of nitrogen from animal and other wastes applied on the same area cannot
exceed 170 Kg/ha.
The planner must identify any field(s), plots or sub plot/s within the farm where the stock
carrying capacity should be further restricted due to:

The marginal nature of these area(s).
22

The environmental sensitivity of such area(s).
This stock carrying capacity must be specified in the agri-environmental plan in terms of the
maximum rates of nitrogen from animal and other wastes for each area, in accordance with the
limits specified above.
The projected quantities of nitrogen from animal wastes, together with the total amount of
nitrogen available for use on the farm must be specified in the plan.
The specified levels of nitrogen from animal and other wastes and from chemical sources for
the different areas of the farm must also be set out in the plan. These levels must reflect the
efficient use of nitrogen and be consistent with the planned stocking density and the
environmental sensitivity of the areas.
The nitrogen from animal and other wastes used on the farm must not exceed 110% of the
planned levels and can never exceed 170 Kg per hectare.
The maximum level of chemical nitrogen, which can be applied to grassland, can never be
greater than the planned level of nitrogen from animal and other wastes applied on the same
area.
Hay and Silage Crops
Farmers who cut hay/silage for sale and are unable to import organic nitrogen or have very
low levels of organic nitrogen per hectare may apply a maximum of 58 kg of chemical
nitrogen per hectare to the hay/silage area.
Tillage Crops
The following nitrogen limits are applicable where different types and/or combinations of
fertilisers are used on tillage crops:

The maximum permitted level of chemical nitrogen per hectare for tillage crops is
shown on Table 1. For all other crops not detailed in Table 1, the maximum permitted
level of chemical nitrogen is 80% of the economic optimum level recommended by
Teagasc2.

Animal manures and spent mushroom compost may be used to replace some or all of
the chemical nitrogen. In this case the nitrogen in these materials, when surface
spread, is deemed to be 25% available. If injected rather than land spread it is deemed
to be 50% available. The nitrogen in other organic wastes is deemed to be 100%
available.

A maximum of 170 kilograms of nitrogen from animal and other wastes per hectare is
permitted provided the available nitrogen does not exceed the permitted levels in Table
1.

When using animal or other organic wastes as a nutrient source, the permitted level of
total nitrogen for the tillage area cannot exceed 260 kg/ha.
2
Nutrient and Trace Element Advice for Grassland, Tillage, Vegetable and Fruit Crops, 2nd. Ed., Teagasc, 2004
23

Example of Calculation of Nitrogen Requirement: In the case of fodder beet
grown on soils with an N Index of 1, receiving 100 Kg N per Ha from land spread
animal manure, 115 Kg per Ha of chemical N may be applied i.e. 140 minus 25% of
100. This gives a total N application of 215 Kg per Ha that does not exceed the
maximum permitted amount of 260Kg per Ha.
For tillage crops, the Nitrogen Index must be established for each sampling area by the
planner using the Teagasc guidelines set out in Appendix 1. This must be stated on the
REPS plan.
Where the maximum amount of animal manure permitted is not sufficient to meet the
nitrogen requirements of the particular crop, then a combination of animal manure and
chemical fertiliser may be used up to the maximum permitted for the relevant Nitrogen
Indices.
Table 1 - Maximum chemical N permitted in Kg/ha where no N from animal or other
waste is used.
N Index
N Index
1
2
3
4
Winter Wheat
152
112
80
48
Potatoes (Main Crop)
1
2
3
4
120
100
80
60
Winter Barley
128
108
80
48
Swedes & Turnips
72
56
32
16
Winter & Spring Oats
100
86
64
32
Winter Oilseed Rape
180
144
128
112
Spring Wheat
112
88
60
32
Spring Oilseed Rape
130
100
70
40
Spring Barley
108
80
60
32
Linseed
60
40
28
16
Malting Barley
84
68
0
0
Field Peas & Beans
0
0
0
0
Maize
120
88
80
60
Kale
120
104
80
56
Sugar Beet
160
133
110
72
Forage Rape
104
96
88
72
Fodder Beet
140
116
84
56
Source: Teagasc Nutrient and Trace Element Advice for Grassland, Tillage, Vegetable and Fruit Crops,
2nd. Edition, 2004.
Phosphorus
Planners must set down the target index for phosphorus in the REPS plan. To provide optimum
agronomic production, the desired target soil index for phosphorus is Index 3. There are
situations where it is desirable to maintain a lower target soil phosphorus level. Planners must
take into account the factors listed in Table 2 when setting down the appropriate target soil
phosphorus index.
24
TABLE 2 INDICATORS FOR DETERMINING TARGET P INDEX FOR GRASSLAND
Target Index 2 Criteria 1,2
Any one of the following
Target Index 3 Criteria 1,2
Any one of the following
•Stocking rate below stock carrying capacity
•Stocking rate at or above stock carrying
capacity
•Grazing before May-cut silage not required
•Grazing before May-cut silage practiced
•Grass supply usually in excess of demand
•Grass supply fully utilised by grazing
animals
•Peat soil
1.
If the agricultural adviser determines that the sample is from an area in which surface waters are at risk
from P enrichment, he/she may advise a Target Index of 2 on that account. Agreed prescriptions for
SAC and NHA should be adhered to.
2.
Because P tends not to accumulate in peats but can be washed out or percolate below the rooting
zone in late autumn or winter, P fertilizer should be applied only when the crop needs it, i.e. in the
growing season, and then in a number of applications. Building up the soil P level above Index 2 is not
advised for peats.
Table 3 - Maximum Phosphorus Limits for Grazing, Silage/Hay (kg/ha)
Target Index 2
Soil
Index
P Level
P Level
Mineral Soils
Peat Soils
Target Index 3
Stocking rate (LU/ha)
Stocking rate (LU/ha)
<1.0
<1.0
1.0-1.5 1.6-2.0
1.0-1.5 1.6-2.0
1
0-3 mg/l
0-10 mg/l
10
16
19
15
26
29
2
3.1-6 mg/l
10.1-20 mg/l
0
6
9
5
16
19
3
6.1-10 mg/l
20.1-30 mg/l
0
0
0
0
6
9
4
> 10 mg/l
> 30 mg/l
0
0
0
0
0
0
Adapted from Teagasc Nutrient and Trace Element Advice for Grassland, Tillage, Vegetable and Fruit
Crops, 2nd. Edition, 2004.
The phosphorus recommendation must never exceed the limits set out in Tables 3, 4 and 5.
Table 3 shows phosphorus limits (kg/ha) for grassland (grazing, silage and hay) assuming all
the manure produced by grazing animals during the housing period is collected and applied to
the conservation ground and all silage/hay produced on farm is fed on farm.
If animal manure produced on the farm is applied to grazing land or tillage crops, an appropriate
increase must be made to the amount of chemical phosphorus permitted to be applied to the
conservation ground with a corresponding reduction being made to the chemical phosphorus
that could be applied to the grazing or tillage ground.
25
Where the organic manure is recycled back on to the hay/silage ground there is no requirement
for the REPS planner to calculate the total phosphorus content of this manure or to set down a
manure spreading plan on a field by field basis.
Where organic manure is imported or exported or if hay or silage is purchased or sold from the
farm, an appropriate adjustment must be made by the planner to the total amount of chemical
phosphorus that may be applied to the farm. The phosphorus content of imported organic
manure applied on the farm must be calculated and this must be allowed for when estimating
the amount of chemical phosphorus that can be used.
Based on these phosphorus recommendations, the planner must establish the maximum
permitted level of chemical phosphorus in kilograms that can be applied, in total, to the farm.
Planners should make it clear to REPS participants that it is not necessary to apply the
maximum permitted level of chemical phosphorus to any soil sampling area and explain that it is
a serious breach of the REPS contract to apply more than the maximum permitted level of
phosphorus to any soil sampling area.
Where the requirement for chemical phosphorus is small (10 Kg/ha or less), given the practical
difficulty of spreading such light dressings, it is permissible to omit application in any one year
and apply double the amount in the succeeding year, provided the same cropping obtains; for
example, grazing.
Where reseeding is taking place and chemical fertiliser is incorporated into the seed bed
within 24 hours of application, it is permitted to apply double the maximum annual amount of
planned chemical phosphorus provided none is applied to the same area in the following
year.
Table 4- Maximum Phosphorus Limits for All Cereals (Kg/ha)
Soil Index
P
Straw Ploughed in
P
Straw removed
1
2
3
4
35
30
20
0
45
35
25
0
Source: Teagasc Nutrient and Trace Element Advice for Grassland, Tillage, Vegetable and Fruit Crops,
2nd. Edition, 2004.
26
TABLE 5 - Maximum Phosphorus Limits for Selected Tillage Crops (Kg/ha)
1
Soil P
Index
Sugar
Beet/
Fodder
Beet
Potatoes
Maincrop
Swedes/
Turnips
Oilseed
Rape/
Linseed
Forage
Rape/
Kale
Field
Peas
Field
Beans
Maize
1
2
3
4
70
55
40
201
125
100
75
50
70
60
40
401
35
30
20
0
60
50
30
0
40
25
20
0
50
40
20
0
70
50
40
0
If soil P value is above 15 mg/l no P is permitted
Source: Teagasc Nutrient and Trace Element Advice for Grassland, Tillage, Vegetable and Fruit Crops,
2nd. Edition, 2004.
For all other tillage crops not detailed in Table 5 above, the maximum permitted level of
phosphorus can be obtained from “Teagasc Nutrient and Trace Element Advice for Grassland,
Tillage, Vegetable and Fruit Crops”, 2004.
Lime
In the interests of minimising the requirements for other nutrients and controlling acidification of
water resources, a pH of 6.5 for mineral soils and 5.5 for peat soils is the target. For beet, beans
and peas the pH target is 7. On high molybdenum soils planners should reduce the lime
requirement by 5 tonnes per hectare. In soils derived from carboniferous shales, the planner
may reduce the lime requirement by up to 5 tonnes per hectare. In any case on carboniferous
shales that are located in high molybdenum areas, the overall maximum reduction allowed is 5
tonnes per hectare. This must also be stated in the “Comments by Planner” section of the plan.
If the soil analysis results show a lime requirement of 1 tonne per hectare or less there is no
requirement to apply lime. Lime must not be applied to blanket bogs, raised bogs or heather
moorland.
The planner may exercise discretion in relation to the liming of lands that are extensively farmed
or marginal in nature. The maximum permitted level of chemical N per hectare (on a field or
plot) that may be used on grassland, where this discretion is exercised, is 40kg per hectare per
annum. Where this discretion is exercised, it must be stated in the plan under “Comments by
Planner”.
The maximum amount of lime that can be spread over the duration of a 5 year period is 12
tonnes per hectare. In any case, a single lime dressing should not exceed 6 tonnes per hectare.
Any ground limestone material must meet all of the requirements (i.e. T.N.V., fineness, moisture
content) for ground limestone as laid down in S.I. 248 of 1978. The only other liming materials
that may be used are burnt/hydrated lime, sugar factory lime and calcified seaweed. Ground
limestone with a declared fineness of 100% less than 0.1mm in granulated form may be
considered three times more effective than standard ground limestone. Such granulated lime
products must be spread annually, at the rate appropriate to the lime requirement indicated in
the soil analysis results.
27
For example a soil sample indicates a lime requirement of 12 tonnes per hectare. The
equivalent requirement of granulated lime is (12 divided by 3) 4 tonnes per hectare. This
requirement must be spread in equal amounts every year for the period of the contract i.e. 4
tonnes divided by 5 equals 0.8 tonnes per hectare per annum. Queries relating to other liming
materials and their neutralising values should be directed to the Regional Inspector.
At least half of the recommended level must be applied during year 1 or year 2 of the REPS
plan, with the remainder being applied before the end of the fourth year of the plan and this
must be clearly stated on the plan. However, where the specified lime requirement is 5 tonnes
per ha or less, this must be applied before the end of the second year of the plan. There is no
requirement to apply lime to rented lands.
Other Nutrients
Where the planner suspects that the efficient use of nitrogen and/or phosphorus is impaired by
an imbalance of other nutrients, further soil and/or herbage analyses should be carried out and
appropriate adjustments prescribed. Teagasc recommendations should be followed on the
application of potassium, sulphur and trace elements in order to maintain a proper balance of
nutrients in the soil.
B Adequacy of Farm Buildings and Yards
Full details, including dimensions, of animal housing, open yards ancillary to housing which
are soiled by livestock, sheep handling facilities and all other farm buildings must be stated on
the plan. The Planner must state the type and use of all structures e.g. loose house, cubicle
house, slatted house/easy feed or open yard fed, cow byre, calf house, sheep house (slatted
or bedded) etc.
A suitably drawn and labelled sketch of the farmyard layout and any outlying facilities is
required in all cases. Flow directions of soiled water and silage effluent must be shown on the
sketch. The sketch should be on a separate page(s) and attached to the plan. The date of
sketch preparation and Planner signature must be included on the farmyard sketch.
The sketch must include the location of proposed buildings necessary for pollution control to
avoid plan amendment at a later date (buildings required to be completed prior to the first
winter).
Observations in the plan on existing facilities should include information on how animal waste
produced in each house or yard listed is stored.
Planned requirements must include any repairs to buildings and facilities, including such items
as:

The minimisation of soiled concrete yard areas.

The separation of soiled and clean water.

The laying of concrete floors to gravel floored or unsurfaced loose-bedded houses
for cattle and horses.
28

Any necessary repairs to roofs, gutters, downpipes, channels, drains, floors, silage
bases etc.
Where an agri-environmental plan stipulates the construction of animal housing, fodder storage
or waste storage facilities, it is advised that these should be constructed to Department of
Agriculture and Food specifications. This specification, and current information on grant aid, are
available from AES Division local offices.
Cattle out wintering pads do not meet REPS agri-environmental plan requirements.
C Adequacy of Waste Storage Facilities
Farm waste includes slurry, farmyard manure (FYM), dungstead manure, soiled water, intensive
agricultural enterprise waste, dairy washings and silage effluent.
Waste Storage
All new and existing waste stores and silage facilities must be structurally sound and leak-proof.
Storage requirements must comply with REPS requirements as set out in Appendices 2 and 3.
Membrane lined earth bank lagoons which are either grant aided by the Department of
Agriculture and Food or certified as being in conformance with Local Authority and Department
of Agriculture and Food specifications for such constructions by the installing company, are
acceptable. Unlined earth bank lagoons, reed beds and out wintering pads do not meet REPS
requirements.
To reduce the volume of effluents to be stored and handled, clean water and soiled water
should be kept separate. All existing effluent channels and drains must be adequate in size and
leak-proof.
The storage capacity required for slurry, FYM, silage effluent and soiled water from all sources
having regard to location, method of storage, soil type etc., should be carefully calculated and
compared with the storage capacity existing on the farm. The capacity of all facilities, including
planned facilities, must be clearly stated on the plan.
In the case of straw-bedded houses the amount of straw to be used for bedding must be clearly
stated. Where this is less than that required to absorb all the urine, a storage tank of adequate
capacity for the excess must be provided.
Where FYM is traditionally taken on to land and stored in a heap for composting this practice
may continue provided the manure is stored in a compact heap at least 2m high, located not
less than 50 metres from any waterbody, public road, domestic well or watercourse and 300
metres from any public water supply source. It may only be stored on land during the period
January 16th to October 31st of the same year.
29
Field storage of FYM must be avoided in situations where, for example, there is a thin soil
overlay to gravel or fissured limestone formations, steeply sloping land or in any other
circumstances where there is a high risk of polluting groundwaters.
D Management of Stored Wastes
Landspreading is the normal method for utilising most agricultural wastes. Precautions to be
taken, spreading times and application rates are set out in the following paragraphs.
Landspreading Precautions
Nutrients should be applied at times that coincide with the growth pattern of different crops to
promote the efficient use of nutrients in fertilisers and slurries and to minimise the risk of
surface run-off and leaching to groundwater.
The weather forecast should be checked before spreading. Manures or fertilisers should not
be applied where heavy rain is forecast in the following 48 hours.
Avoid spreading on:

Wet or waterlogged soils.

Frozen or snow covered soils.

Land sloping steeply towards watercourses.

Exposed bedrock.
Spreading is prohibited:

Within 1.5m of any field boundary.

On bird nesting sites during the breeding season.
Spreading machinery should be maintained in good condition, correctly calibrated and
operated to ensure the recommended application rates are not exceeded.
Precautions for animal manures
Avoid the contamination of surface waters and wells by leaving a buffer strip between these
resources and the application area. This strip must extend to l0 metres in the case of smaller
watercourses, 20 metres in the case of lakes and main channels, 50 metres in the case of
domestic wells and up to 300 metres in the case of public water supply sources.
Slurry must not be spread within 50 metres of any school grounds, public building or amenity
area. A buffer strip of up to 50 metres is recommended where land spreading takes place
adjacent to private dwellings.
Slurry must only be applied with low trajectory spreaders, band spreaders or injection
methods.
30
Precautions for chemical fertilisers
Chemical fertiliser must not be applied within 1.5 metres of any watercourse or field boundary.
This may involve one of the following options:

The use of a machine that is equipped to restrict spreading to one side only.

Moving the machine out an adequate distance to avoid any overcarry.

Reduction of P.T.O. speed to limit the spreading area.

Tilting the machine downwards at the side nearest the watercourse or field boundary thus
shortening the distribution pattern.
Nitrogen fertiliser applications should be avoided during periods of prolonged drought
especially where these occur after mid-July.
Precautions for Spent Mushroom Compost
Where such material originates from a diseased crop it should not be spread within 2
kilometres of a mushroom production facility.
Spreading Times
Chemical Fertilisers
Chemical nitrogen fertiliser applications must cease by September 1st on established
grassland.
Chemical phosphorus should be applied to peat soils as early as possible in the growing season
but in any event no later than May 31st to facilitate rapid uptake and prevent leaching losses.
Slurry
Applications must not take place between October 1st and January15th. Landspreading
should be carried out as early as practicable in the growing season to maximise nutrient
uptake by crops and consequently minimise pollution risks. It is a requirement in each year of
the plan that all the slurry produced on the farm is landspread by August 31st.
FYM/Spent Mushroom Compost/Poultry Manure
These manures must not be spread between November 1 stt and January 31st in each year of
the plan.
Silage Effluent
The land spreading of effluent onto the ground from which the silage has been harvested is
the most practical option since it recycles some of the nutrients removed in the crop. This
operation should commence as soon as the effluent starts flowing from the pit. Spreading of
silage effluent must be completed by September 30th each year.
31
Soiled Water and Dairy Washings
Soiled water is normally disposed of by landspreading and this can take place all the year
round where conditions are suitable and pollution risks minimal.
See Appendix 4.
Landspreading must be deferred where soils are saturated.
Application Rates of Animal and Other Nutrient Wastes
Slurry
The quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus per unit volume of organic waste for the different
slurry storage systems are set out in Appendix 5. The volume of added water influences the
nutrient value of slurry. The greater the dilution, the greater the volume to be landspread. This
may mean a number of applications to land during the year where one application of undiluted
slurry would normally suffice. Regardless of the dilution factor, the maximum hydraulic loading
per single application must not exceed 25m 3 per hectare (2200 gallons per acre) on shallow
limestone soils and in no case exceed 50m 3 per hectare (4400 gallons per acre).
Farmyard Manure/Dungstead Manure/SMC/Poultry Manure
The quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus per unit volume of organic waste are set out in
Appendix 5 and must be used when specifying the maximum permitted levels to be applied.
These nutrient wastes are normally landspread in one application.
Silage Effluent
This is potentially a serious organic pollutant that contains a substantial quantity of the
nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Where silage effluent is available for landspreading it must be diluted to a minimum ratio of
1:1 with water and its rate of application is as detailed for soiled water and dairy washings.
Where silage effluent is mixed with slurry the application rates and spreading of this nutrient
material is as detailed for slurry.
Soiled Water and Dairy Washings
The nutrient content of these liquids is normally low. The rates of application are determined
by hydraulic loadings rather than the nutrient content. In practice, application rates must not
exceed 25m3 per hectare (2200 gallons per acre) on shallow limestone soils and in no case
exceed 50m3 per hectare (4400 gallons per acre) by tanker application or 2.5mm and 5mm
per hour by irrigation.
The transfer by pumping of soiled water from a farmyard to a field location must be via an
irrigator that can be moved to comply with the application rate requirement. Point discharge of
soiled water is not acceptable. Spray drift from the spreading of soiled water must be kept to
the minimum possible.
Where farmyard manure runoff/seepage or silage effluent are mixed with soiled water the
nutrient concentrations will be higher, and these must be considered in any disposal system.
32
Imported Non-farming Organic Wastes
A certified nutrient analysis from the supplier is a requirement for all of these wastes. The
landspreading of these wastes must be integrated into a detailed nutrient management plan
and must conform with the REPS requirements for slurry storage and spreading.
The landspreading of blood and other slaughterhouse wastes is not permitted.
Sewage Sludge
Where sewage sludge is applied to farmland, application must be strictly in accordance with
the requirements set out in Statutory Instrument (S.I.) No. 148 Waste Management (Use of
Sewage in Agriculture) Regulations 1998.
Precautions for the disposal of spent sheep dip
Spent sheep dip, whether from permanently sited or mobile facilities, must never be disposed
of to a soakpit, or dumped on sacrifice land. It must be landspread by slurry tanker, diluted 1
part dip to 3 parts slurry or water at a rate not exceeding 5m 3/ha (440 gallons per acre) of
spent dip, equivalent to 20m 3/ha (1760 gallons per acre) of diluted dip. Spent sheep dip must
be land spread as soon as practicable after use.
All precautions pertaining to the spreading of animal manures are also applicable.
Farm livestock should be excluded from the disposal area for at least 28 days. Empty dip
concentrate containers must be rinsed when dip is being prepared so that rinsing liquid may
be added to form part of the diluted dip. Where there is an outlet at the bottom of an existing
tank, controlled by a stopper, the outlet must be permanently sealed.
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure

Planners should ensure that soils are classified correctly as either peat or mineral soils
prior to submission of samples to approved laboratory for analysis.

The soil sample number (e.g. Soil Sample 1 or SSI) must be shown on the map for each
field or plot from which the soil sample was taken and also on the soil analysis report. The
field number(s) from which the soil sample was taken must be shown on the soil analysis
report.

Soil Analysis Reports. In all situations original laboratory soil analysis reports must be
included with the REPS application unless a valid original soil analysis report is already
on the Department’s REPS file.

For each sampling area the recommendations arising from the soil analysis report must
be clearly stated indicating all fertiliser and lime requirements.

Where a REPS participant houses stock on another farm all the facilities must comply
with the REPS requirements set out in this specification. The waste produced must be
disposed of on the REPS participant's land or exported to another REPS farm.
33

Where a REPS participant houses stock belonging to another farmer (who may or may
not be a REPS participant), such stock must have separate housing facilities, separate
waste storage facilities and separate airspace. The waste produced must be disposed of on
the farm of the fodder producer. The facilities must meet REPS requirements in these cases
and the veterinary regulations governing the recording of animal movements must be
complied with.

A REPS participant is not permitted to house stock in common air space or to share silage
and/or slurry storage facilities with another farmer.

Farmyard sketch detailing buildings and facilities as required.

Date of sketch preparation and Planner signature must be included on the farmyard sketch.

All farm buildings including storage facilities on tillage farms and buildings listed under
Measure 8 must be included on the farmyard sketch.

The Planner must clearly set out the core housing period.

The sketch must include proposed buildings necessary for pollution control to avoid plan
amendment at a later date (buildings required to be completed prior to the first winter). In
situations where additional farm buildings in excess of REPS requirements are constructed
during the REPS plan there is no requirement to submit a revised farm sketch or to amend
the REPS plan provided the structure complies with REPS requirements.

Baled silage produced from wilted grass i.e. containing more than 25% DM, does not
normally produce effluent and may be stored no more than two bales high. Outside of
farmyards bales should neither be stored nor opened within 20 meters of watercourses or
lakes nor within 50 metres of wells.

Straw bale equivalents are given in the attached table. The weekly requirement in bales
should be clearly stated on the plan. Further information relating to straw bedding
requirements and absorption capacities etc. can be found in Appendix 3.
Bale Type
Approx.Weight
Approx. Small Bale
(Approx. Size)
Kgs
Equivalent
4 X 4 Round
140
8-10
5 x 4 Round
210
12-14
8 X 4 x 3 Square
580
32-38
8 X 3 X 3 Square
260
14-18
34
Measure 2
Grassland Management
Introduction
Participants in REPS must follow a grassland management plan that meets the objective of
the Measure.
In the course of the on site assessment of the farm prior to drawing up the plan, the planner,
together with the farmer, must consider the following:

Areas of the farm that are sensitive to poaching and soil erosion.

Damage to grassland by poaching and overgrazing.

A sustainable grassland management plan for the farm.

Overgrazing of heather and other natural vegetation.

Extent of outwintering of livestock and its environmental consequences.

Control of noxious weeds.

Undergrazing

Measure 2 Options
1. Areas of the farm suitable for conversion to traditional hay meadow.
2. Areas of the farm suitable for conversion to species rich grassland.
Plan Preparation under Measure 2
The Planner, in consultation with the farmer, when preparing and drawing up the REPS Plan,
must address the following principal issues:

The potential stocking density of the farm calculated by reference to the
environmental sensitivity of areas within the farm.

The provision of a sustainable grassland management plan for the farm.

The period of the year during which specific stock must be housed. The dates for the
core-housing period must be set out clearly in the REPS plan. The planner may
specify that the actual housing dates can be either delayed or brought forward by a
maximum of two weeks depending on local weather and soil conditions. In practice
the farmer can house animals earlier than specified or turn out animals later than
specified but the core housing period cannot be made shorter than specified.

The period(s) of the year during which grazing on specific areas of the farm and by
specific animals is permitted.

The numbers and types of animals retained over the winter period.

The livestock housing, feed storage and waste storage facilities required.

The number and types of animals outwintered.

The outwintering of animals may be permitted subject to a maximum stocking density
of one livestock unit per hectare at all times on the specified outwintering area,
35
depending on the soil type(s) in the area concerned. Fields or plots where animals
may be outwintered must be set down in the Agri-Environmental Plan in addition to
the maximum number and type of animal to be outwintered.


In calculating stocking density the following co-efficients apply:
o
Cattle 6 months to 2 years
-
0.6 L.U.
o
Cattle over 2 years (including cows)
-
1.0 L.U.
o
Sheep, Goats, Deer
-
0.15 L.U.
o
Equines over 6 months in age
-
1.0 L.U.
The grazing/conservation/feed purchase plan for the farm in order to provide
adequate feed during the year. The planner must outline the conditions for
supplementary feeding that minimise poaching and prevent nutrient loss.

Supplementary feeding points must be located at least 30 metres from watercourses.

Where a plan provides for the grazing of livestock owned by others, such grazing
must be restricted to a maximum of three consecutive months between April 1 st and
October 31st. The taking in and grazing of sheep owned by others is permitted at any
time during the year, subject at all times to a maximum period of three consecutive
months. Animals taken in must be managed by the REPS participant and not the
owner of the animals

For horsebreeders and stable owners who own a minimum of four livestock units of
horse on average throughout the year and maintain a minimum stocking rate of one
horse livestock unit for every four hectares of grassland in the REPS plan, the grazing
of livestock owned by others is permitted for a maximum period of seven months
during the period April 1st to October 31st. Additionally, on such holdings, the taking in
of horses owned by others is permitted throughout the year.
This provision also applies to farmers involved in the livery business .

The control of noxious weeds.

New grassland management practices and technologies to extend the grazing
season.

The maintenance of field drainage systems (including repair and upgrading) required
to ensure the sustainability of the system.

Where land is being reseeded an untilled, unploughed and unsprayed margin as
described in Measure 9 must be left in place.

Where clover is included in the reseed mixture and chemical fertiliser is incorporated
into the seed bed within 24 hours of application it is permitted to apply double the
maximum annual amount of chemical phosphorus provided none is applied to the
same area in the following year.

Routine positive management to prevent the encroachment of scrub, rushes or gorse
should be incorporated into the plan where appropriate.
36
Measure 2 Options
Option 2A Traditional3 Hay Meadows
Where areas of the farm are considered suitable for conversion to traditional hay meadow,
Option 2A provides a prescription that facilitates their establishment.
Requirement: Farmers choosing Option 2A must maintain a minimum of 0.4 hectares or 8%
of their contract area whichever is the greater, subject to a maximum area of 1.6 hectares as
a traditional hay meadow and the traditional hay meadow must be managed as follows:

Fertilisation: Artificial fertiliser, slurry and farmyard manure can only be applied if this
has been the traditional practice. In any case the total applied nutrients (organic and
chemical) cannot exceed 30kg N, 5kg P and 5kg K per hectare per year.

Grazing: Traditional grazing practices to be maintained. The planner must determine
what constitutes traditional practice. This must include the numbers and type of
livestock, and the seasonal grazing pattern. In any situation, grazing levels must not
exceed 1LU per hectare on a year round average and should never exceed 2LU per
hectare at any one time.

Mowing: Meadows for conservation may only be cut after the June 15th. While it is
preferable for hay to be saved, silage is acceptable provided it is turned at least twice
before collection to allow seeds disperse.
Option 2B Species Rich Grassland
Where areas of the farm are considered suitable for conversion to species rich grassland,
Option 2B provides a prescription that enhances the diversity of grassland.
Requirement: Farmers choosing Option 2B must maintain a minimum of 0.4 hectares or 8%
of their contract area whichever is the greater subject to a maximum area of 1.6 hectares as
species rich grassland and the grassland must be managed as follows:

Fertilisation: No artificial fertiliser, slurry, farmyard manure or other organic material
can be applied.

Grazing: Traditional grazing practices to be maintained. The planner must determine
what constitutes traditional practice. This shall include the numbers and type of
livestock, and the seasonal grazing pattern. The average stocking density over the
grazing period must not exceed 0.8 LU per hectare.

3
Topping: Grasslands may only be topped after July 15th.
Traditional” to mean practices in use over the previous ten years.
37
Issues Common to Option 2A and Option 2B
The prescription for these Options must be followed from the commencement of the
plan.

Dumping, infilling, burning of vegetation: The importing of materials from other
sites for the purpose of disposal, burning or infilling is prohibited.

Reseeding, reclamation and tree planting: No reseeding, reclamation or tree
planting is permitted.

Drainage: Planned maintenance of existing drains shall be permitted.

Use of Herbicides: Control of noxious weeds with herbicide is permitted; however
application may only be by spot treatment.

Supplementary Feeding: No supplementary feeding to be introduced into fields
where it was not traditionally carried out.
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure

Identify fields and plots for outwintering.

Identify areas sensitive to poaching.

Identify fields or plots for Option 2A and 2B.

Specify the management practices required where Option 2A or 2B is chosen.

For Option 2A, the permitted level of nitrogen from animal and other wastes
allowed on traditional hay meadows must not exceed 85 kg/ha.

For Option 2B, the permitted level of nitrogen and other wastes allowed on
species rich grasslands must not exceed 68 kg/ha.

Guidelines for Supplementary Feeding Points
o
Select areas that have minimal risk of causing surface or ground water
pollution.
o
Supplementary feeding points cannot be sited within 30m of a
watercourse.
o
Select areas that have minimal risk of causing changes in the endemic
species of flora found.
o
Select areas that have minimal visual impact.
o
Supplementary feeding points must be rotated regularly.
o
Manure accumulation at feeding points should be collected at the end of
the feeding season and disposed of or stored according to Measure 1.
38
Measure 3
Protect and Maintain Watercourses, Waterbodies and Wells
Introduction
Participants in REPS must follow a programme of works that meets the objective of the
Measure.
For the purposes of this measure a watercourse is defined as a channel that in the average
year conveys water throughout 9 months.
In the course of the on site assessment of the farm prior to drawing up the plan, the planner,
together with the farmer, must consider the following:

Watercourses that meet the above definition.

Wells, boreholes, pumphouses and extraction points for public and domestic water
supplies.

Watering points.

Maintenance requirements for the channels.

Culverts, keshs and crossing points.

Measure 3 Options

o
Increase watercourse margin.
o
Exclude all bovine access to watercourses.
Areas suitable for designation as Riparian Setaside.
Plan Preparation under Measure 3
The Planner, in consultation with the farmer, when preparing and drawing up the REPS Plan,
must address the following principal issues:
A. Protection of watercourses and waterbodies.
B. Maintenance of watercourses.
C. Protection of wells and boreholes.
D. Protection of lakes.
A Protection of Watercourses and Waterbodies
The application of pesticides and chemical fertilisers within 1.5 metres of watercourses is
prohibited.
Access by bovines to within 1.5 metres of watercourses must be prohibited before the end of
the first year of the plan and thereafter. Fences must be a minimum of 1.5 metres from the top
of the bank of the watercourse. Internal watercourses must be protected on both sides where
there are bovines. For environmental and practical reasons, in some circumstances it may be
appropriate to provide temporary fences only when bovines are present. For example where
39
there is a possibility of permanent fences being washed away over the winter period
especially along eroding riverbanks.
Watercourses exempted from fencing include the following:

Watercourses on areas designated as habitats in accordance with Measure 4 where
the grazing of cattle does not exceed 0.2 livestock units per hectare

Watercourses that drain directly into salt water without passing through any other
property.

Tidal waters.

Watercourses occurring on lands rented short term and on land the subject of nonqualifying leases.

Watercourses already stockproofed with hedgerows and or stonewalls. In such
situations no pesticides or fertilisers can be applied within 1.5 metres of the
hedgerow/stonewall.
Access to drinking points may be permitted, provided such points prevent animal movement
up or downstream and, as far as possible, restrict animals from standing in the water. Access
for animals and machinery across watercourses shall, as far as possible, be by suitable
culverts
B Maintenance of Watercourses
Watercourses requiring maintenance should be identified. The method, timing and frequency
of this maintenance work is crucially important to wildlife and if required must be clearly set
out in the plan.
Maintenance can range from routine cutting of vegetation to channel regrading and the
removal of silt and debris. Over deepening of channels should be avoided as these will silt up.
Narrow channels provide faster flow.
To sustain habitats associated with watercourses the following guidelines must be followed:

Do not cut or clear all channels in one season. Clean out selected stretches on a
rotational basis. Suggested intervals are, 3 to 4 years for weeds and other soft
vegetation and depending on circumstances every 4 to 5 years for regrading silted or
blocked channels.

When cleaning, remove weeds from the channel bed and one side only. The other
bank should be left untouched in that season and, if possible, permanently.

Where channels are narrow and it is not possible to clean one side only, selected
stretches should be cleaned on a rotational basis.

In fish-bearing streams, cleaning should be kept to a minimum. Where this must be
carried out the work should be executed between mid-May and mid-September so as
to protect fish eggs and small salmonids. It is an offence under the Fisheries Acts to
disturb the bed and gravel during the Autumn/Winter period where fish may spawn or
40
have already spawned. Where, for whatever reason, drainage of any permanently
wet channel more than 1m wide is required during the Autumn/Winter period
consultation by the farmer with relevant Fisheries Board is mandatory. The addresses
of the various Fisheries Boards are listed in Appendix 6.

Application of animal manure and other wastes and chemical fertilisers in the
proximity of watercourses, waterbodies and wells must be in accordance with
Measure 1 and where an approved pesticide is required to be used, a derogation
must be sought from the Regional Inspector.
C Protection of Wells and Boreholes
By the end of the first year of the plan all wells and boreholes must be fenced, irrespective of
land use, leaving a clear distance of at least 2 metres between well or borehole and fence at
the nearest point. A watering trough must not be placed within 20 metres of a well or borehole
to prevent point source pollution. If wells marked on the O.S. map no longer exist this should
be stated.
Where wells are located in the farmyard and clearly not accessible to livestock, then apart
from adequate safety considerations, there is no requirement to fence.
D Protection of Lakes.
It is necessary to fence lakeshores to prevent bovine access (using permanent or temporary
fencing). If in the opinion of the REPS planner the fencing of lakeshore would be detrimental
to the environment or has other implications for amenity use, (s)he should seek a derogation
from the Regional Inspector specifying the reasons why fencing would be detrimental and
include supporting documentation.
Measure 3 Options
The prescription for these Options must be followed from the commencement of the
plan.
Option 3A - Increase watercourse margin.
Requirement:
Farmers choosing Option 3A, the application of pesticides and chemical fertilisers within 2.5
metres of watercourses is prohibited.
Access by bovines to within 2.5 metres of watercourses must be prohibited before the end of
the first year of the plan and thereafter. Fences must be a minimum of 2.5 metres from the top
of the bank of the watercourse.
To participate in this Option,

A farm must have watercourses that require fencing.

The farm must be planned to include bovines
41
Option 3B - Exclude all bovine access to watercourses.
Requirement:
For farmers choosing Option 3B, drinking access to all watercourses on the farm is prohibited.
A minimum of two piped drinking troughs per farm must be provided in fields adjoining the
watercourse(s) in question.
To participate in this Option,

A farm must have watercourses that require fencing.

The farm must be planned to include bovines
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure

Length of watercourse requiring fencing The total length of watercourse on the
farm that requires fencing relates to the length of watercourse less any watercourse
on the farm that doesn’t require fencing e.g. tidal waters, watercourses flowing
directly into salt water etc. Therefore even if all or part of a watercourse is already
fenced it still needs to be listed as that requiring fencing.

Wells must be identified on the map by a blue circle encompassing the letter W, also
in blue.

Lakes must be shaded blue on the REPS map.

All watercourses must be clearly identified in the plan and coloured blue on the map.
The name and code of the catchment area stated by reference to the River Quality
map4 e.g. River Dinin code 15D2.

In coastal areas some streams are not identified by reference to the name and code
of the catchment area. In these cases the area code will suffice.

4

A watercourse not shown on the map must be noted with blue colouring

A removed watercourse must be marked X.
Such maps are available from the Environmental Protection Agency, Regional Inspectorate, Richview, Clonskeagh
Road, Dublin 14.
42
Measure 4
Retain Wildlife Habitats
Introduction
Participants in REPS must follow a programme of works that meets the objective of the
Measure.
The habitats to be retained are diverse in nature ranging from small ponds to large areas of
blanket peat. Habitat types covered by this measure include:

Callows.

Turloughs and other seasonally flooded areas.

Marshes and Swamps.

Peatlands (including raised bog, cut-over bog, blanket bog or moors and fens).

Sand-dunes, foreshore and sea shore.

Machairs.

Eskers.

Natural or semi-natural vegetation.

Woodlands and groves of trees.

Scrubland.

Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and watercourses.

Field boundaries/margins, hedgerows and stonewalls (subject to conditions set out in
Measure 5)

Old buildings inhabited by protected species such as barn owls and bats.

Disused quarries and such workings that have become habitats.

Commonages and habitats designated as SPAs, SACs, NHAs, subject to the
conditions of Measure A.
In the course of the on site assessment of the farm prior to drawing up the plan, the planner,
together with the farmer, must consider the following:

The nature of the habitats present on the farm.

The number of habitats present on the farm.

The quality of these habitats.

The farming and other factors that influenced the development of the habitat(s).

The current management practices.

Areas suitable for development of new habitats.

Measure 4 Options
o
Creation of a New Habitat
o
Broadleaved Tree Planting
o
Nature Corridors
43
Plan Preparation under Measure 4
The Planner, in consultation with the farmer, when preparing and drawing up the REPS Plan,
must address the following principal issues:
A. Habitat Designated in REPS
B. Habitat Removal or Re-instatement
C. Practices for Habitat Retention
A Habitats Designated in REPS
In general, habitats designated in REPS must remain so designated under REPS; however
where a planner, following consultation with the farmer, declares that an area was incorrectly
designated as a habitat under Measure 4 and now wishes, based on the recommendation of
an environmental report, to re-designate the area for an alternative land use the Planner must
forward the report to the local Regional Inspector requesting a derogation. Hedgerows,
stonewalls, permanent post and wire fencing and clay banks (together with their associated
margins) must be retained as these fall under the definition of habitats.
B Habitat Removal or Re-instatement
It is a basic principle of the Scheme that any interference with habitats, other than as part of
an agri-environmental plan or as part of an agreed plan may render the applicant ineligible for
the Scheme.
Where habitats are removed/damaged/interfered with in the 3 years prior to application to join
REPS or in the interim between REPS contracts, the applicant will be required to reinstate
any such habitat(s).
In all such cases the recommendations of an environmentalist must be sought and the
associated report/recommendations must be submitted to the local Regional Inspector for
approval prior to making the REPS application. If the proposed remedial works are
acceptable, they must be completed before the end of the first year of the REPS plan.
Preference should always be given to re-establishing habitats in their original location. This
requirement to replace removed habitat is not a substitute for other environmental works
which should be carried out under the REPS scheme.
Planners must not, under any circumstances, advise farmers that they can remove any
habitats before they join the Scheme.
C Practices for Habitat Retention
The following practices must not be carried out:

Afforestation

Land improvement works including drainage

Ploughing and re-seeding
44

Interference with the free-flow of waters to "swallow holes" in turloughs

Removal of sand and gravel from foreshore and seashore

Commercial turf cutting on unexploited bog. Areas included for payment cannot be
exploited during the period of the REPS undertakings.

Burning of growing vegetation on land between March1st and August 31st.
Any further conservation practices required to retain the special qualities of the habitat, in
addition to those set out under the other measures (including the agreed conditions for the
conservation of NHA sites) must be detailed. For example, changes in fertiliser usage,
stocking levels, protective fencing, grazing restrictions and restrictions on the location of
supplementary feeding points must be set out in the plan.
Measure 4 Options
Option 4A Creation of a New Habitat
The creation of new habitats on farms will provide more space for wildlife to flourish resulting
in environmental gain. New habitats will also allow the development of a vegetation structure
of varying height more suitable for diversity of invertebrates.
Requirement: Farmers participating in Option 4A must maintain a minimum of 0.2 hectares
or 4% of their contract area whichever is the greater subject to a maximum area of 0.8
hectares as land allocated for habitat use. Suggested locations include areas peripheral to the
farming activity that are not existing habitats, areas along existing linear features, for example
a weak hedgerow. The area of any individual plot identified must be a minimum of 0.2
hectares, and have a minimum width of five metres.
These area(s) must be managed as follows –

Fencing: The plot/subplot identified must be fenced to exclude all livestock.

Management: The plot is not to be used for any agronomic activity and therefore
must be claimed as ‘other area’ in annual area aid declarations.

Use of herbicides: Control of noxious weeds with herbicides is permitted; however
application may only be by spot treatment.

Topping: If necessary, topping of these areas can take place after August 8 th in any
year. Toppings must not be removed.
The prescription for Option 4A must be followed from the commencement of the plan.
Option 4B Broadleaved Tree Planting
Widely spaced mature trees are a special feature in the countryside, having a significant
visual impact on the landscape. They provide a valuable habitat for invertebrates, birds, bats
and lichens. It takes many decades for the full range of wildlife and plant life to develop in the
tree canopy and surrounding ground.
45
The choice of suitable species, planting sites and soil preparation is critical to the successful
establishment of trees.
Requirement: Farmers participating in Option 4B, must plant a minimum of 1 broadleaved
tree per hectare of contract area up to 40 hectares.
Tree planting must be carried out as follows:

Location: A minimum of 25% must be planted in open fields in groups or planted
individually. The remainder must be planted in suitable sites along existing field
boundaries or in clusters at field corners.

What to plant: Once the sites have been chosen, the most suitable tree species should
be chosen from Appendix 7 based on the following considerations:
o
Native indigenous tree species.
o
Knowledge of trees that grow well in the area or on similar sites
o
Physical conditions of each site e.g. soil type, drainage, exposure etc.
o
Suitability of species for the use and size of each site. The planting distance
should be considered in the context of the ultimate height of the tree, providing
sufficient space to develop naturally.
o
At a minimum planting material should be bare rooted transplants c. 1000 –
1200mm in height (strong whips) with a good root system.

Fencing: All stock must be completely excluded from the new plantings.

Weed Control: It is essential to control growth of grass and weeds around the young
trees during the first four years. Unchecked vegetation growth will result in poor tree
establishment. Grass and weeds can be controlled by treading/cutting or by the use of
suitable herbicides or mulches. Herbicides must only be used in accordance with the
exceptions of Measure 6.

Planting is normally carried out during the period October - April, when the trees are
dormant, but not when the ground is frozen or waterlogged

Trees that fail to establish must be replaced.

At least 50% of the planting must take place by the end of Year 2 of the contract, with the
balance being planted by the end of Year 4.

Further information can be obtained from http://www.enfo.ie/
Option 4C Nature Corridors
The objective of this Option is to protect our extensive range of field margins as they are an
important source of plant diversity. Many field margins contain plants characteristic of
woodland, wetlands and grassland. Nature corridors act as a resource to conserve wildlife.
Within the landscape, corridors are used by wildlife for transportation and protection.
46
Requirement: Farmers participating in Option 4C must maintain grass field margins a
minimum of 2.5 metres wide from all pasture field boundaries.
The prescription for Option 4C must be followed from the commencement of the plan.
Management: The application of fertilisers or pesticides is prohibited within this margin with
exceptions as outlined in Measure 6. Additionally no application of farmyard manures or
slurries are allowed within this margin.
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure

Habitats must be identified by reference to the field or plot.

It is not necessary to identify hedgerows, stonewalls, permanent post and wire
fencing, clay banks (together with their associated margins) and watercourses as
habitats in the plan under this Measure. These are addressed in Measure 5.

A broken line
--------- must be used to identify permanent boundaries of any subplot
and a subplot number must be allocated.

A dotted line
••••••••••
must be used to identify temporary boundaries of any
subplot and a subplot number must be allocated.

Management and conservation practices required to maintain each habitat must be
clearly stated.

Areas chosen for Option 4A must be clearly identified on the map.

The number of trees to be planted under Option 4B must be clearly stated.

Non target habitat areas must be hatched green on the REPS map.
47
MEASURE 5
Maintain Farm and Field Boundaries
Introduction
Participants in REPS must follow a schedule of works that meets the objectives of this
measure.
In the course of the on site assessment of the farm prior to drawing up the plan, the planner,
together with the farmer, must consider the following:

External boundaries and roadside fences.

Unenclosed lands and commonage issues.

Gates and stiles.

All hedgerows and stonewalls.

Measure 5 Options
o
Option 5A Hedgerow Rejuvenation
o
Option 5B New Hedgerow Establishment.
o
Option 5C Additional Stonewall Maintenance.
Plan Preparation under Measure 5
The Planner, in consultation with the farmer, when preparing and drawing up the REPS Plan,
must address the following principal issues:
A. Stockproofing of farm boundaries
B. Maintenance of entrances to the farm from public roads
C. Maintenance of hedgerows and stonewalls
A. Stockproofing of Farm Boundaries
Participants must in the first year of the plan, stockproof all external boundary and roadside
fences and maintain stockproofed and in good repair for the duration of the plan. To be
effective as a stockproof barrier a hedgerow should have a dense base, form an unbroken
barrier and be at least 1.5 metres high.
Boundary Fencing Exemptions

Where conacre/rented land is contiguous to owned/leased land, the boundary
between the owned/leased land and the conacre/rented can be regarded as an
internal fence for the purpose of REPS and is not required to be stockproof. The
conacre/rented land boundary can then be regarded as the external boundary.

Where sites are disposed of at the stage of applying to join REPS, the area must be
excluded. Where a participant continues to farm the site in question, the requirement
48
to fence is as for contiguous conacre. In addition, the situation should be explained in
the “Comments by Planner” section of the REPS Plan.

In the case of privately owned unenclosed lands an exemption from the stockproofing
requirement may be permitted where a planner is satisfied that there is no danger of
overgrazing or a threat to the natural vegetation. The location of unfenced boundaries
must be identified on the REPS plan. The reason(s) for the exemption must be clearly
stated on the plan under “Comments by Planner”.

Where such unenclosed land is adjacent to commonage, the discretion not to fence is
only applicable where the commonage sub unit(s) adjacent to the land in question
have a damage rating of U (i.e. undamaged). If the damage rating is above this, the
planner must set a maximum stocking rate at any time (sheep and cattle) for the
unenclosed plot/s in question before the non-fencing exemption can apply.

Where raised bog forms part of a holding, fencing of external boundaries to the bog
area is not required provided that, by its location, livestock will not enter the area. The
farmer is required to fence the boundary between any land being farmed and the bog
area.
B. Maintenance of Entrances to the Farm from Public Roads
Entrances from public roads must have hung gates by the end of the first year of the plan.
New entrance access to fields from the public road should be set back in the interest of safety
and may require planning permission.
Traditional wrought and cast iron gates, single stone or stone masonry piers, old stone stiles
should be retained.
Newly constructed piers and gates should preferably be of the type traditional to the area and
compatible with the landscape. Step stiles, where required, should be either of local stone or
timber.
C. Maintenance of Hedgerows and Stonewalls
The extent and state of repair of hedgerows and stonewalls on the farm must be established
and used to formulate an appropriate conservation and maintenance programme. The
planner in discussion with the farmer should clearly identify the actions required to maintain
and conserve these farm habitats and features. These actions should be considered against
the landscape character of the area and how they will contribute to the environmental and
amenity value of the farm and surrounding countryside.
Where the upkeep of hedgerows and stonewalls is required over the period of the plan the
work must be undertaken as follows:
49

A minimum of 140 metres of hedgerow length or 70 metres of stonewall per hectare (or a
pro rata mix of hedgerow and stonewalls) must be scheduled for maintenance over the
period of the REPS contract.

In the case of hedgerows and stonewalls, where farms are in excess of 40 hectares, this
involves a minimum 5,600 metres of hedgerow or 2,800 metres of stonewall.

Where the extent of these features on the farm exceeds the above lengths, priorities
should be established. The features of greatest ecological value and those most
prominent in the landscape should be selected for maintenance.

Where the extent of these features on the farm is less than 100 metres of hedgerow or 50
metres of stonewall per hectare, the planner should specify, where possible, that the
farmer plant suitable tree species at intervals on field boundaries or other locations on the
farm.
Hedgerows
Mature hedgerows give the Irish landscape its distinctive character and field pattern and
provide an important wildlife habitat especially for woodland flora and fauna. Where major
wildlife habitats exist on farms consideration should be given to allowing hedgerows that
adjoin and link these areas to grow naturally. In general increasing the variety of hedgerows
in terms of height, width, shape and species mix will promote diversity in flora and fauna. The
most valuable species for wildlife include oak, birch, mountain ash, whitethorn, alder, willow,
ash, holly, crab and Scots pine.
Hedgerows can be described as follows:
Mature flowering hedgerows, predominately of whitethorn, provide a strong visual impact in
the countryside during May and June each year. A balance of young and mature whitethorn is
required for continuity of this impact. Selected sections of hedgerow on farms should be
allowed to develop and blossom freely. An appropriate conservation and maintenance
programme promotes the flowering, fruiting, vigour and wildlife potential of hedgerows.
Within this type of hedgerow, three further types can be described:
Mature (untended) hedgerows in good condition e.g. along disused farm roads, old
embankments, field corners etc should be allowed to grow naturally. Maintenance in
these situations should be confined to essential practices such as stockproofing,
inplanting and the control of invasive species to prevent field encroachment.
Mature managed hedgerows where the hedgerow or sections of the hedgerow are
well furnished with lower growth and growing vigorously, the appropriate maintenance
may be to allow them to grow freely. In these instances maintenance should be
confined to the light trimming of the sides to curtail outward spread. Side trimming,
where required, should be carried out using a two or three year cycle.
50
Over managed hedgerows that are cut too often and too low should be allowed to
grow unchecked to regain height and vigour. The extent of recovery will indicate what
further action is required. If it is decided to allow sapling trees to develop these should
be selected at irregular intervals and allocated sufficient space to grow. Where
mechanical trimming is required those saplings identified for retention should have
the vegetation around them cleared manually and clearly marked to alert the machine
operator.
Hedgerows with a high proportion of smooth wood species (for example ash, sycamore,
hazel, alder), when topped respond by throwing up many vertical shoots with little lateral
growth. Hedgerows consisting a high proportion of these species, which have previously not
been managed, should only be side trimmed where necessary.
Weak hedgerows, which have lost their vigour and with little basal growth will require more
intervention. It may be more appropriate to rejuvenate the hedgerow by laying or coppicing
distinct sections over the period of the plan. Laying and coppicing are outlined in the REPS
options below.
Gappy hedgerows may be closed by inplanting. Plant blackthorn quicks, or other suitable
shade tolerant species such as holly or beech at not more than 450mm spacing in prepared
ground. The young plants (with the exception of beech) should be cut back to half their height
after planting to promote growth. Keep weed free and protect from stock until established.
Assessment for Hedgerow Maintenance
The following issues should be considered when prescribing a maintenance schedule for any
hedgerow:

The type of hedgerow.

Previous management history.

Objectives for the future function of the hedgerow.
Maintenance Guidelines

Hedgerows on farm boundaries that must be stockproofed may require a different
maintenance regime to that of an internal hedgerow, which may not have a stock control
function.

In some cases the appropriate maintenance may only require control of invasive species
and stockproofing.

Inappropriate or untimely maintenance prescriptions often result in the weakening and
ultimate demise of hedgerows.
51

Where ivy infestation is a risk to the stability or long-term viability of a hedgerow it should
be controlled. See Appendix 7.

There is considerable wildlife and landscape benefit if maintenance is carried out in
rotation to ensure that there is growth at all stages both on the farm and in association
with neighbouring farms.

If possible, one side of a hedge should be trimmed in a season.

Careful consideration should be given when prescribing the lowering of the height of a
hedgerow. Topping of hedgerows consisting of mature previously unmanaged
whitethorn/blackthorn may also result in undesirable growth characteristics such as bushy
top-heavy growth (the “toilet brush” effect). Smooth wood species when topped respond
by throwing up many vertical shoots with little lateral growth.

The quest for neatness should not take precedence over ecological and landscape
considerations.

Hedgerow maintenance must be avoided during the bird nesting season (March 1stAugust 31st). Late winter is best, affording wildlife the opportunity to fully exploit the
hedgerows food reserves.

Where hedgerows are cut, they must be cut to an A-shaped profile with a bushy structure
for maximum protection from wind. This will encourage the development of a dense
hedge. Square cut hedgerows will put out a twiggy, lateral growth, encroaching on roads
and paths so that summer cutting is required for reasons of safety and convenience.

The most desirable method of hedge maintenance is by the use of hand tools. The
crushing of hedgerows by heavy machinery is not permitted. Finger bar cutters utilising a
pair of reciprocating blades are very suitable for trimming young growth. A flail cutter
should only be used on soft growth of thorny species and beech i.e. no more than 2/3
years old. A flail cutter should never be used on heavy woody growth: resultant ragged
ends invite disease and are unsightly. A circular saw may be used when coppicing or reshaping is required.

Fertilisers or pesticides may only be applied in accordance with Measures 1 and 6.

Fencing wire should not be attached to hedgerow trees and shrubs.

Where practicable hedge trimmings should be piled in a non-intrusive manner to provide
habitat. If hedge trimmings are to be removed or burned; this should be done as soon as
possible after cutting. Where hedge trimmings are burned extreme care should be
exercised to ensure that the habitat is not endangered by fire. Fires should not be left
unattended.
Stonewalls
Stonewalls are an important element in the landscape. Walls offer shelter to livestock,
protection to wildlife and are an important habitat for both flora and fauna.
52
All existing stonewalls must be retained and maintained in a manner traditional to the area.
Existing stonewalls, prominent in the landscape but in a state of disrepair, should be repaired
or rebuilt on a phased basis. Where there are insufficient stones available on site to
stockproof these walls supplementary post and wire fencing may be used.
In locations where field size is small and stonewalls have fallen into disrepair it may be more
practical to sacrifice selected broken down walls using the stones to repair or rebuild other
walls. This can only apply where the length of existing stonewalls exceeds 100 metres per
hectare. Where this course of action is proposed, due account must be taken of the
requirements of Measure 7 and the traditional landscape of the area.
Measure 5 Options
It is possible for a participant to choose either one or a pro rata mix of the Measure 5 Options.
Option 5A Hedgerow Rejuvenation (Coppicing and Laying)
Requirement: Farmers participating in Option 5A must rejuvenate a minimum of 2 metres of
hedgerow per hectare annually through either coppicing or laying on a maximum of 20
hectares of their holding.
Half of this work must be completed by the end of the second year of the REPS contract, with
the remainder completed by the end of the fourth year.
For example a farmer with 20 ha must rejuvenate 40 metres x 5 years = 200 metres as part of
his REPS plan. Half of this work must be completed before the end of year 2, with the balance
being completed before the end of year 4.
Appendix 7 gives further information in relation to laying and coppicing
Option 5B New Hedgerow Establishment
Requirement: Farmers participating in Option 5B must plant a minimum of 3 metres of
hedgerow per hectare annually on a maximum of 20 hectares of their holding. New hedgerow
planting includes the establishment of new hedgerows and the establishment of hedgerows
along remnant field boundaries
Half of the work must be completed by the end of the second year of the REPS contract with
the remainder completed by the end of the fourth year.
53
For example a farmer with 20 ha must plant 60 metres x 5 years = 300 metres as part of his
REPS plan. At least half of this work must be completed before the end of year 2, with the
balance being completed before the end of year 4.
Appendix 7 gives further information in relation to establishing a new hedgerow.
It should be noted that the establishment of new hedgerows under Option 5B is
additional to the requirements under Measure 5.
Option 5C Additional Stonewall Maintenance
Requirement: Farmers participating in Option 5C must maintain an additional 3 metres of
stonewall per hectare annually in excess of the basic requirement of Measure 5, on a
maximum of 20 hectares of their holding. Half of this work must be completed by the end of
the second year of the REPS contract with the remainder completed by the end of the fourth
year.
For example a farmer with only stonewall boundaries must maintain an additional 3 metres
of stonewall per hectare on the first 20 hectares of his/her holding annually i.e. 60 metres x 5
years = 300 metres as part of his REPS plan.
Farmers with a mixture of stonewall and hedgerow undertaking Option 5C must maintain 3
metres of stonewall per hectare on the first 20 hectares in addition to the basic requirement
under Measure 5.
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure

All hedgerows must be identified by a yellow line on the map (excluding those on
areas ineligible for payment). Non-continuous hedgerows must be identified by a noncontinuous yellow line.

All stonewalls must be identified by a green line on the map (excluding those on
areas ineligible for payment). Non-continuous stonewall must be identified by a
broken green line.

Combinations of stonewall and hedgerow must be marked with both a yellow and a
green line.

Mark on the map other features that require to be retained, using capital lettering A,
B, C etc.

Where a fence shown on the map has been removed, this must be indicated on the
farm map by short parallel lines thus // at intervals on the removed fence.
54

Where a permanent fence not shown on the map is in place, the location of this fence
must be shown on the farm map by a broken line thus -------------

The total length and type of farm and field boundaries on lands eligible for REPS
payment must be recorded in the plan. The measurements of total farm boundaries
i.e. wire fences, stonewalls and hedgerows and total internal boundaries i.e. wire
fences, stonewalls and hedgerows stated in the REPS plan are to include only those
on lands eligible for REPS payment. For maps not prepared using the RMS a
tolerance of ±10% on the length of these boundaries is acceptable.

A planner should exercise his/her professional judgement when categorising or
describing a field boundary. Planners should give any additional information
necessary in the “Comments by Planners” section of the plan.

Describe other features to be retained, e.g. wrought iron gates, stiles, stone piers etc.

The planner must set out the programme of work to be carried out for each year of
the plan showing with reference to the map the length in metres and the precise type
of stonewall/hedgerow maintenance.

For participation in any of the Measure 5 Options, the precise length in metres must
be clearly stated.

The precise location and length in metres of any new planting or inplanting of any
hedgerow must be recorded using letters on the map e.g.

A-B.
For conacre/rented land it is not necessary to mark internal hedgerows, stonewalls
and watercourses

With regard to the fencing requirements for sites sold that continue to be farmed by
the participant/applicant, these must be marked excluded
REPS form submitted.
Excl and the appropriate
55
Measure 6
Restricted use of Pesticides and Fertilisers
Introduction
Participants in REPS must follow work practices that meet the objective of the Measure.
In the course of the on site assessment of the farm prior to drawing up the plan, the planner,
together with the farmer, must consider the following:

All existing field boundaries, ponds, wells, boreholes, lakes, and watercourses.

Current agronomic practices relating to pesticide and fertiliser use on the farm.

Noxious weeds mentioned in the Noxious Weed Act 1936 (as amended).

The use of herbicides for the purpose of aiding the establishment of new hedgerows,
tree plantings and farmyard landscaping.
Plan Preparation under Measure 6
The Planner, in consultation with the farmer, when preparing and drawing up the REPS Plan,
must address the following principal issues:
A. Protection of Field Boundaries and Field Margins
B. Protection of all Waterbodies
C. Exceptions
D. The Safe Use of Pesticides
A. Protection of Field Boundaries and Field Margins
To protect field margins and hedgerows the following restrictions must be observed:

Pesticides must not be applied within l.5 metres of field boundaries and hedgerows.

Fertilisers/manures must be applied in accordance with Measure 1.

Correct spraying techniques should be adopted to prevent drift.
B. Protection of All Water Sources
To protect waterbodies the following restrictions must be observed:

Do not apply pesticides within l.5 metres of lakes, ponds and watercourses.

Do not apply pesticides within 2 metres of wells and boreholes.

Fertilisers/manures must be applied in accordance with Measure 1.

Correct spraying techniques should be adopted to prevent drift.
Where a participant elects to participate in REPS Option 3A “Increased Watercourse Margin”
and/or REPS Option 4C “Nature Corridors” and REPS Option 9C “Increased Arable Margins”
then the limits in the Options apply.
56
C. Exceptions
The following exceptions can be applied:

Noxious weeds that cannot be dealt with mechanically may be spot treated with a
suitable herbicide.

During hedgerow establishment (first 3 years) the use of selective herbicides is
allowed to control weeds. This must be stated under Measure 6 of the REPS plan.

Where trees and shrubs are being planted, the use of selective herbicides is
permitted for a period of up to five years. The requirement for the use of herbicides
should be reviewed in Year 3 of the plan.
D. The Safe Use of Pesticides
Pesticides must be applied as recommended by the manufacturer.

Mixing must always be carefully carried out away from wells and watercourses. Care
must be exercised to ensure that only the amount of chemical required is mixed

Account must be taken of windspeed and direction at time of spraying.

Field margins, wildlife habitats and waterbodies must not be contaminated either by
direct application of pesticide or from spray drifting.

Following spraying, if any surplus mix remains, it should be sprayed on to the crop up
to the maximum limit permitted.

Sprayer washings must be disposed of in a similar manner to the method used for
application of surplus mix.

Chemical containers must be washed in accordance with the manufacturers
recommendations and disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the Local
Authority Waste Management Plan.
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure

Identify exceptions to the restrictions on the use of pesticides for the farm.
57
Measure 7
Protect Features of Historical and Archaeological Interest
Introduction
Participants in REPS must be aware of the location of these features on the farm and practice
farming in a manner that meets the objective of this Measure.
In the course of the on site assessment of the farm prior to drawing up the plan, the planner,
together with the farmer, must consider the following:

All features of historical and archaeological importance described/identified on the
map.

Features on the farm that may be of local interest or importance, but are not officially
recorded on the map.

Current farming practices that may be impacting on these features.

Accessibility of the feature(s) to the general public.

REPS Options
o
Increase in Archaeological Buffer Margins.
o
Management of Publicly Accessible Archaeological Sites.
Plan Preparation under Measure 7
The Planner, in consultation with the farmer, when preparing and drawing up the REPS Plan,
must:
A. Consult the Record of Monuments and Places for the locality.
B. Record any features of significance, both those officially recorded in the Record of
Monuments and Places and those that are not mentioned.
C. Prescribe management practices that ensure the protection of these features.
A. Consult the Record of Monuments and Places for the locality
The Record of Monuments and Places5 provides a catalogue, including maps, of known
upstanding archaeological monuments and the sites of levelled or buried monuments for each
county. Additionally, there is a series of published volumes of county archaeological
inventories available, containing brief descriptions for Cavan, Carlow, West, Mid, East and
South Cork, Laois, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, West and North Galway, North
Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow.6
5
The Record of Monuments and Places was formerly known as The Sites and Monuments Record. Copies are
available from The National Parks and Wildlife Service, 51 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Contact Geraldine
Crowley, National Monuments Section, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 6 Ely Place
Upper, Dublin 2 Telephone 01-6472483; e-mail gcrowley@duchas.ie and can also be consulted in the Local
Authority Planning Sections, County Libraries, County Museums and Teagasc Offices.
6
Available from the Government Publications Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.
58
Monuments visible on the surface are frequently surrounded by other archaeological features
hidden close to the surface such as pits, house foundations, hearths and burials. The advice
of The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) should be sought where the extent of a
known site is problematic.
B. Record Features of Significance
The planner must list all historical and archaeological features in the agri-environmental plan
by reference to the farm map. Ruins such as those of traditional dwelling houses and lime
kilns are part of the history of the locality and must also be recorded in the REPS plan.
C. Management Practices to Protect Archaeological and Historical Features
The planner must specify the practices required to ensure the protection of archaeological
and historical features as follows:

Where a monument occurs in grassland the monument itself and an area of 20
metres around it must not be interfered with through activities such as ground
disturbance (including ploughing for reseeding), excavation, construction of buildings
or tree planting.

No materials of any type should be removed from or dumped on such sites.

Care must be taken to avoid damaging monuments through the use of heavy
machinery in their vicinity. If protection is required, light temporary fencing or marker
posts can be used.

Continuous movement of animals or the overwintering of animals on earthwork
features is not permitted. If protection is required, temporary fencing can be used.

Monuments in tillage fields must be surrounded by an unploughed margin of 5
metres.
Measure 7 Options
Option 7A. Increase in Archaeological and Historical Buffer Margins.
Requirement: Farmers choosing Option 7A must maintain a minimum buffer margin of 30
metres in grassland and 7.5 metres in tillage land.
Option 7B. Management of Publicly Accessible Archaeological Sites
Requirement: To qualify for Option 7B, there must be one site detailed in the Record of
Monuments and Places on the farm which is publicly accessible. The participant is required to
maintain the site litter free and to maintain the public access points to the site. The Minister
shall not be liable for any public liability claims relating to the lands the subject of this Option.
59
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure

Mark all features on the REPS Map.

Reference these features in the REPS Plan with a plot number.

Specify the management practices for the protection of the features.

Clearly identify on the map and in the plan areas selected for Measure 7 Options.

Useful references include the following publications “Irish Field Monuments”,
published by the Office of Public Works is available from the Government
Publications Office and “Farming and the Ancient Countryside” published by jointly by
Teagasc and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
60
Measure 8
Maintain and Improve Visual Appearance of Farm and Farmyard
Introduction
Participants in REPS must be aware of the requirements of this Measure as it relates to their
farm and farmyard(s).
In the course of the on site assessment of the farm prior to drawing up the plan, the planner,
must consider the following:

The appearance of the farm and farmyard in relation to the surrounding countryside.

Any traditional buildings located in the farmyard or on the farm.

The current condition of all farm buildings.

Unsightly features.

The siting of proposed new farm buildings and structures.

REPS Options
o
Option 8A Landscaping around the farmyard.
Plan Preparation under Measure 8
The Planner, in consultation with the farmer, when preparing and drawing up the REPS Plan,
must address the following principal issues:
A. The Management of Waste Materials on the Farm.
B. Retention of Traditional Farm Buildings
C. The Maintenance of Farm Buildings including the use of Appropriate Roof and Wall
Colours.
D. The siting of any New Buildings.
A. The Management of Waste Materials on the Farm.
Waste materials include, for example: packaging and containers, plastic sheeting and bags,
rubber tyres, disused machinery, disused cars, worn-out and spent materials used in the
servicing of agricultural machinery such as oils, solvents etc. Deposits of these materials are
not only a visual eyesore but are also potential environmental pollutants and safety hazards.
The following practices must be followed:

Containers of agricultural chemicals and other persistent toxic or harmful substances
must not be put to an alternative use. They must be disposed of in accordance with
the manufacturers instructions where given and in accordance with the requirements
of the Local Authority Waste Management Plan.
61

Plastic sheeting, bags, etc. must always be collected and stored after use or re-use
and not allowed to disperse through the countryside

The burning of plastics is not permitted.

Where a re-cycling collection facility exists for certain plastics such as the scheme
established by the Irish Farm Films Producers Group (IFFPG)7 applicants should
avail of this facility.

Items intended for re-use on the farm, e.g. wooden pallets, metals, machinery etc.
must be stored at a central location on the farm in a manner that reduces the visual
impact of these materials on the landscape.

Any waste materials, including waste oil, that require management, must be disposed
of in accordance with the Local Authority Waste Management Plan. Waste oil must
not be disposed to a soakway, or other farm waste system.

Dead animals must be disposed of in accordance with the law and Veterinary
Regulations.
B. Retention of Traditional Farm Buildings
Structurally sound farm buildings (including structures with no roofs) and farm dwellings
converted for farm use must be retained and should, if possible, continue to be used in their
current state. Conversion of these buildings to dwelling accommodation or for use in
alternative farm enterprises may be considered where appropriate.
Essential repairs to the fabric of the structure such as securing roof slates; repointing of stone
work where the existing mortar is perished and repair and/or replacement of gutters, rainwater
pipes, doors, windows or louvres to retain the structure in its present condition must be
identified.
Care must be exercised to retain access for owls and bats, where such habitats8 exist.
C. The Maintenance of Farm Buildings including the use of Appropriate Roof and Wall
Colours

Essential repairs to the fabric of farm buildings such as securing of roofing materials;
repair and/or replacement of gutters, rainwater pipes and doors, must be identified.

Good use of colour can make farm buildings appear smaller, less industrial, and more
sympathetic to the traditions of country building. The choice of appropriate colours is
influenced by the colour of existing buildings on the farm, by the traditional colours in the
locality, and by the guidelines below.

Colours should be chosen for good design reasons, rather than just by personal
preference. Dark colours on roofs reduce the apparent size of buildings, whereas light or
7
8
c/o Repak, 1, Ballymount Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Tel. (01) 4578200
Construction of bird boxes as described in Appendix 8 can also be considered.
62
reflective materials increase their apparent size and draw attention to them. Accordingly,
roofs should, where possible, be of a darker colour than the walls. Suitable roof colours
are dark-grey, dark reddish brown, or a very dark green. Brighter shades of green or blue
will clash with natural colours and should always be avoided.

If the existing farm or other local roofs are of slate, a good choice for roof colour is a dark
grey-blue. The strong red roof - colour used in many parts of Ireland is also a wellaccepted tradition and it should be used where it is the predominant colour on the farm
even though it can draw attention to buildings.
It looks well when contrasted with
whitewashed walls.

The roof colour should usually be continued for the upper part of gable walls, but the
lower gable and side walls should be a different and lighter colour than the roof. Suitable
wall colours are unpainted block or plastered walls, whitewash or paints of a much lighter
hue than the roof, or cladding of a light grey or sandy colour.
Stained or blackened
concrete walls may be given a cement wash.

Smaller details such as window or door frames, or small side-doors to parlours, dairies,
etc., can be painted in bright colours to give emphasis. [e.g. red, yellow, or green].
Larger sliding doors should normally be the colour either of the roof, or the lower wall.
Most cladding materials for farm buildings (pre-painted metal, fibre cement sheet) are
now available in a good range of suitable colours.
When a galvanised or aluminium-zinc roof has been in place for four years, it can be
painted without any problems. The same timescale applies to proprietary prepainted
roofs.
A new or recent galvanised, aluminium-zinc, or prepainted roof can be easily painted
using a proprietary two-pack system consisting of a weak primer and a finishing coat.
Such paint systems are widely available from Irish and other manufacturers.
Prepainted curved sheets for haybarns or other roofs are available from several cladding
manufacturers in a full range of colours

Planned works must be completed by the end of Year 4 of the REPS contract.
D. The Siting of any New Buildings

The efficient working of a farmyard complex is the most important consideration, but it
should be possible, by careful siting of new buildings, to give the appearance of a unified
group.
If possible, the roof pitch should be the same, as on existing buildings, and the
guidance notes on roof and wall colours should be followed.

Attention given to small design details, e.g. projecting the roof beyond the wall line and
using bargeboards, can considerably improve the appearance. If the proposed building is
very large, consideration should be given to a design that would "break up" the main bulk
into smaller elements. If an existing farm complex gives a "complete" appearance, it may
be more appropriate to start a second complex some distance away.
63

Buildings should not, if at all possible, be sited on a ridge, or on the highest point in a
locality.
Measure 8 Options
Option 8A Landscaping around the farmyard: The purpose of this Option is to integrate
the farmyard into the countryside both by the planting of well-chosen surrounding/sheltering
trees and shrubs. In general, deciduous trees (rowan, alder, beech, larch, etc.) are more
appropriate than most evergreens. Very narrow tall evergreens such as Leyland Cypress and
rows of Lombardy poplars must be avoided as they simply draw attention to buildings. Some
climbing plants can soften the outlines of large buildings but they must not interfere with
ventilation or drainage.
Requirement: Farmers with less than 10 hectares of contract area choosing Option 8A must
landscape with trees or shrubs a minimum of 500m 2 of land area surrounding or adjacent to
the farmyard with at least 25 plants.
Farmers with more than 10 hectares of contract area choosing Option 8A must landscape a
minimum area of 1000m 2 with at least 50 plants.
Suitable plant species are listed in Appendix 7.
The work must be completed by the end of year 2.
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure

Ensure all buildings are marked on the farmyard sketch

Identify, by reference to the map, all unsightly features.

Specify the works necessary to improve the appearance of the farm and farmyard by
the end of the first year of the Plan.

For each subsequent year, it is essential to set out the annual programme of works to
maintain the visual appearance of the farm and farmyard.

Identify the traditional quality farm buildings for retention.

Specify the annual programme of works to maintain these traditional buildings in their
current condition.

Identify, by reference to the farmyard sketch, the farm buildings requiring
maintenance or painting.

Specify the completion of planned repairs and maintenance by the end of Year 4 of
the plan. (Maintenance works required to comply with Measure 1 must be completed
by the start of the first winter).
64
Measure 9
Tillage Crop Production
Introduction
Tillage farmers who are participants in REPS must adopt work and farming practices that
meet the objective of the Measure.
In the course of the on site assessment of the farm prior to drawing up the plan, the planner,
together with the farmer, must consider the following:

Current cropping programmes.

Current management techniques for the crops grown.

The presence or absence of a crop rotation.

The use and extent of temporary fencing on the tillage areas of the farm.

The extent to which farming operations are carried out by agricultural contracting
firms.

Measure 9 Options
o
Option 9A Green Cover Establishment.
o
Option 9B Environmental Management of Setaside
o
Option 9C Increased Arable Margins
Plan Preparation under Measure 9
The Planner, in consultation with the farmer, when preparing and drawing up the REPS Plan,
must address the following principal issues:
A.
The Management of Straw and Stubble
B.
The Establishment of an Uncultivated Margin
A.
The Management of Straw and Stubble
The following must be complied with on all tillage lands farmed:

Straw and stubble burning must not be carried out.

Bovines can be outwintered on stubble grounds provided that the stocking rate and
management practices are as required under Measure 2. Requirements for
outwintering on stubble ground must be clearly detailed in the REPS plan.
B.
The Establishment of an Uncultivated Margin
The following must be complied with on all tillage lands farmed:

An uncultivated margin of at least l.5 metres, from the centre of any permanent post
and wire field boundary fence must be retained. Where cultivated fields adjoin such
fences, the total margin between crops must not be less than 3 metres.
65

Where a field boundary is a stone wall, a minimum uncultivated margin from the
stone wall of 1.5 metres is required. Where cultivated fields adjoin such walls, the
total margin between crops in adjoining fields must not be less than 3 metres plus the
width of the wall.

Where the field boundary is a hedgerow, a minimum uncultivated margin of 1.5
metres plus half the width of the hedgerow is required.

Where cultivated fields adjoin and where the boundary fence is a hedgerow 2 metres
wide or less, the margin between crops must not be less than 5 metres, i.e. 2.5
metres from the centre of the hedgerow on each side.

Where the field boundary includes a stream or drain the width of the channel is added
to the uncultivated margin as already set out.
Measure 9 Options
Option 9A Green Cover Establishment.
Green cover is defined as a crop established following the harvesting of a cereal or oilseed
rape crop and maintained until the following January 15th without cultivation. The usual crops
used in this situation are brassicas. Grass crops are not permitted. The objective of this
Option is to provide a crop cover that will utilise residual nutrients in the soil following the
harvesting of a cereal or oilseed crop.
Requirement: Farmers participating in Option 9A, must maintain a minimum of 14 hectares
of contract area green cover to qualify as a Category One Option. Alternatively, if a minimum
of 7 hectares of contract area is maintained, this Option is classed as a Category Two Option.
The following are the management prescriptions for the retention of green cover:

Straw cannot be burned from the harvested cereal or oilseed rape crop.

Without ploughing, a cover crop must be established to ensure a green cover over the
winter.

Undersown crops are not eligible.

Slurry or fertiliser must not be applied to the stubble after harvesting the cereal or rape
crop.

Between establishing the cover crop and the following January 15th:
o
It is permitted to graze the cover crop lightly (less than 0.5 LU per hectare).
o
Supplementary concentrate feeding sites must be rotated regularly.
o
It is not permitted to apply inorganic fertiliser, organic fertiliser or lime. These
nutrients are in excess of crop requirements during the winter period.
o
It is not permitted to apply pesticides.
66
Option 9B Environmental Management of Setaside.
Setaside can provide food and safe nesting habitat for ground nesting birds throughout the
nesting season. It also offers an abundance of annual plant seeds and so is very useful for
seed eating birds throughout the winter. This is a particularly important habitat on those farms
that no longer have winter stubbles, but is a beneficial habitat for birds on any arable farm.
Requirement: Farmers participating in Option 9B, must maintain as setaside, a minimum of
0.3 hectares or 10% of their contract area, subject to a maximum required area of 4.0
hectares whichever is the higher. To participate in this Option, farmers must have a minimum
of 7 hectares of arable land in tillage crops or setaside.
The following are the management prescriptions for the maintenance of setaside.

On the setaside area a cover crop can be established by natural regeneration or
sowing. When sowing grass it is suggested to use a grass mix containing tussock
forming grasses e.g. fescues and bent grasses to provide a varied sward structure.

As it is compulsory to mow setaside between July 15th and August 15th, mowing
should be delayed as late as possible to protect late nesting birds.
REPS farmers participating in Option 9B are exempt from the requirement to mow the
total area setaside. These farmers must leave up to 25% of the setaside area unmown.
This unmown area should be targeted at boundaries of the setaside particularly along thin
hedgerows. This will allow the hedgerow to broaden out. In non-rotational setaside, the
unmown area should be rotated around the setaside area if it is not targeted at the
margins. Mowing of setaside must be carried out using the centre out method to give
nesting birds a chance to escape to alternative cover.

Mowings must not be removed from the site.

The total setaside area may be grazed with livestock between September 1st and
January 14th in accordance with the requirements of Measure 2. This will provide a
more varied structure to the sward and so enhance the abundance of invertebrates

Pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, slug pellets and growth
regulators) must not be applied to the setaside except for the control of persistent
weeds such as dock, thistle and ragwort, which may be controlled by spot treatment.

Inorganic and organic fertiliser must not be applied to the total setaside area.

Temporary silage clamps and storage areas for big-baled silage cannot be sited on
all the setaside area.
67
Option 9C Increased Arable Margins.
The change from traditional mixed farming systems, the loss of hedges and associated
uncropped field margins and the increased use of pesticides have contributed to the decline
in the numbers of farmland birds. The creation of different types of conservation crop margin
offers an opportunity for the more characteristic plants and animals associated with arable
farms to live and feed on the working farm.
Requirement: Farmers participating in Option 9C, must maintain a minimum of 74 metres of
margin per hectare of contract area which is being cropped. The wider margin is only required
up to a maximum of 20 hectares of contract area. (Setaside land does not qualify under this
Option). These margins must be a minimum of 3 metres wide, which is an increase of the
margins outlined in Measure 9 of 1.5 metres.
Farmers participating in Option 9C, must maintain a minimum of 14 hectares of contract area
in tillage to qualify as a Category One Option. Alternatively, if a minimum of 7 hectares is
maintained, this Option is classed as a Category Two Option.
The following are the management prescriptions for the maintenance of arable field margins:

The margins should be positioned alongside those field boundaries, which will
provide maximum benefit for wildlife, for example next to woodland.

Alternatively, the margins should be established next to a south-facing hedge. Field
margins must be present on the identified fields for the five years of the contract. If at
any time after three years, the rough grass field margin is to be removed, derogation
must be sought from the Regional Inspector. The derogation request must be fully
documented with a suitable replacement margin identified.

One of three methods of establishing field margins must be followed:
o
Unsown 3 metre margins must remain uncultivated as set out in Measure 9.
o
Rough grass 3 metre field margins may be established by sowing a
recommended mix of grass seed at the rate of 20kg per hectare, either in the
autumn or spring. Suitable grass species are given below.
o
Conservation 3 metre field margins may be established by sowing any cereal
at 50% of the recommended sowing rate.

With the exception of the cereal sown margins, the field margin must be mown at
least three times in the first year to a height no lower than five centimetres. This will
promote tillering of the grass and aid establishment.

Cereal sown margins may be harvested with the crop.

Mowing must only be carried out during the period July 15 th to September 30th to
minimise the disturbance of ground nesting birds, such as skylarks and meadow
pipits rearing second broods.
68

Regular annual cutting of the rough grass field margin is not permitted. This destroys
the tussocks and the build up of leaf litter essential for the survival of over wintering
insects.

Pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, slug pellets and growth
regulators) must not be applied to field margins. Spray drift from adjacent fields not
only destroys this habitat, but also creates conditions for the growth of annual weeds.

Rough grass field margins must not be grazed.

After establishment no ploughing, cultivation, re-seeding, rolling or chain harrowing of
rough grass field margins is permitted.

Inorganic and organic fertiliser must not be applied to all field margins.

Supplementary feeding sites, drinking troughs, temporary silage clamps and storage
areas for big baled silage must not be sited on these margins.
List of suitable grass species

Cocksfoot

Sheep’s fescue

Crested dogstail

Common bent

Sweet vernal

Creeping bent

Meadow foxtail

Rough
stalked
meadow
stalked
meadow
grass

Red fescue

Smooth
grass

Creeping fescue

Yorkshire fog
Grasses must be sown at a rate of 20kg/ha
Cocksfoot should not form more than 15% of the mixture, as it will tend to become too
dominant.
Varieties of perennial ryegrass and timothy grass must be sown at half the recommended
sowing rate.
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure

Specify how straw and stubble lands are to be managed.

Specify the appropriate field margins.

Prescribe the appropriate management practices for field margins.

Areas chosen for Measure 9 Options must be clearly identified in advance for each
year of the plan.
69
Measure 10
Training in Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices
Introduction:
Attendance at a 20 hour training course is a condition of the Scheme. The planner should
provide information relating to dates, times and venues of approved courses. The objective of
this course is to provide participants with:

Information on the environmental benefits arising from and adhering to the various
REPS measures.

Their responsibilities in REPS and consequences of non-compliance with the
Scheme Terms and Conditions, their approved REPS plan and requirements set out
in the REPS 3 Farmers Handbook.

Clarification of all the relevant requirements included in the Scheme Terms and
Conditions, the agri-environmental plan and the Requirements set out in the REPS 3
Farmers Handbook, including eligibility criteria for new applications.

The knowledge and skills necessary to implement their REPS plans.

Requirements which the Department places on planners and planning agencies in
drawing up REPS applications/amended plans.

Responsibilities of farmers with regard to Good Farming Practice, national legislation
and local byelaws.
Course Preparation under Measure 10
The Planner/Planning agency, in preparing and drawing up the 20 Hour REPS Training
Course, must address the following principal issues:

Course content, encompassing all REPS Measures, including Supplementary
Measures as detailed in the syllabus.

Specific requirements of local farming conditions and practices.

Course format including the mix of practical and classroom sessions.

Farm Safety.

Suitable venues for courses.

Department of Agriculture and Food approval for providing the course.
Specific Issues

The REPS participant must attend a 20 Hour REPS Training Course. On completion,
a participant in REPS will be paid €124.

In the case of joint participants in REPS, the participants may nominate one of those
named on the plan/application to attend and complete the course in full; however, all
may attend, if desired.

Only one payment will be made for each participant farm.
70

Planning Agencies should arrange 20 Hour REPS Training Courses for participants
and potential REPS applicants.

Participants must attend such a course within two years of joining the Scheme.

On satisfactory completion of the course a certificate should be issued to the
participant.

To claim payment the original certificate or a copy certified by the issuing course
provider must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Food by the end of
the first or second recording year.

Failure to attend within the period specified will result in third and subsequent years
payment being withheld until such time as satisfactory evidence is provided that a
training course has been completed by the participant.

In addition to attending the practical element of the 20 Hour REPS Training Course,
attendance at other demonstration/open days is recommended for all participants.
Plan Requirements for this Measure

Nominate the year for attendance at the 20 Hour REPS Training Course.

Highlight the requirement to submit Certificate of Completion to allow annual payment
continue.
71
Measure 11
The Maintenance of Farm and Environmental Records
Introduction
The maintenance of farm and environmental records is the responsibility of the REPS
participant. The records must be kept up-to-date on a monthly basis and retained by the
participant at all times for inspection throughout the period of the plan.
The prescribed record sheets include the following:

Monthly livestock inventory.

Details on the Import/Export of organic wastes.

Particulars of all chemical fertilisers brought on to the farm.

Particulars of the works, stipulated in the farm plan, which have been carried out.

Winter housing dates of livestock.

Land applications of stored animal and other wastes and chemical fertilisers.

Details of all lime spread on the farm.

Records of any other environmentally sensitive work over and above the scheme
requirements carried out.
Documents such as original invoices and original statements etc. relevant to the prescribed
record sheets must be retained for inspection.
The commencement date for record keeping is the commencement date of the plan.
Production of records for inspection may be requested at any reasonable time.
The keeping of farm and environmental records in accordance with this Measure requires
certification by the farmer prior to the second and subsequent payments. The farmer must
sign and date the record sheets at the end of each recording year.
Plan Requirements for this Measure

Ensure that the REPS participant is aware of importance of maintaining the
prescribed records.

Ensure that the REPS participant is aware of the requirement to retain and have
available for inspection, all of the required records and supporting original
documentation for the period of the REPS contract.

Ensure that the REPS participant is aware of the requirement to retain and have
available for inspection land eligibility documentation.
72
Measure A
Conservation of Natural Heritage
Introduction
Target Areas
The areas to which Measure A applies are those that fall in one or more of the following
categories:
 Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) proposed or designated by the Minister for
Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
 Farmland-based Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated under Council
Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats or Special Protection
Areas (SPAs) designated under Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the protection of Wild
Birds.
 Commonages
In the course of the on site assessment of the farm prior to drawing up the plan, the planner,
in consultation with an environmentalist/ecologist, must consider the following:
 The area and types of target lands on the holding.
 The condition of these target lands.
 The habitat type.
 The stocking density suitable to maintain the habitat.
 Current management practices.
 Commonage Framework plans 9 where appropriate.
 Other farming prescriptions for target lands.
 Whether the farm is suitable for limited participation in REPS under Measure A.
Plan Preparation Under Measure A
The Planner, in consultation with the farmer, when preparing and drawing up the REPS Plan,
must address the following principal issues:
A.
Commonage Target Areas
B.
Non-Commonage Target Areas
C.
Conditions Common to all Target Areas
9
Pending the availability of commonage framework plans the planner must make the farmer aware of the agreed
farming prescriptions detailed in Appendix 8.
73
A. Commonage Target Areas
The Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Environment, Heritage and
Local Government have jointly prepared Commonage Framework Plans for the vast majority
of commonage target areas. These plans are available from:
http://www.commonage.agriculture.gov.ie
Individual REPS plans must comply with the provisions of the relevant Commonage
Framework Plan (FP). The requirements of a Commonage Framework Plan take precedence
over any other requirements imposed as a consequence of the lands also being designated
as SAC, SPA and NHA lands. The required information to be extracted from the FP is
detailed under “Conditions Common to all Target Areas” below. Destocking calculations must
be clearly set out in the REPS Plan, as detailed in Appendix 8.
B. Non-Commonage Target Areas
There are agreed farming conditions for a number of specific habitats. These conditions set
down detailed prescriptions for each identified habitat type. Where relevant the REPS planner
must fully familiarise himself/herself with the conditions and incorporate them into the plan.
The conditions for the following have been agreed and are presented in Appendix 8:

The Burren

Blanket bogs, heaths and upland grasslands

Sand dunes and machairs
In the absence of agreed farming conditions, the planner must contact the NPWS for
information on any specified conditions relating to the particular target area and must set
down appropriate management conditions in the plan.
Where any such information is not available the planner and environmentalist/ecologist must
prepare an environmental report after walking as much of the site as is necessary to
determine the condition of the vegetation, habitat type and percentage destocking reduction.
Mapping and REPS plan requirements are set out below.
C. Conditions Common to all Target Areas
An approved planner and an environmentalist/ecologist must prepare individual REPS plans
for these areas and the following information must be included in the plan:

The identification code(s) of the relevant framework plan(s) and target areas.

The general site description, including the soil type, the current land use, flora and
fauna, water, landscape features and other relevant environmental factors and any
local variations across the target area.

The dominant habitat type.

The condition of the vegetation.
74

Specific environmental objectives and an annual time-scale by which to measure and
assess progress.

A grazing regime which may include a destocking requirement

The grazing regime must also set out procedures to avoid localised under and over
grazing on any part of the target area.

A schedule of environmental restrictions to be observed on the land or on landscape
features, to protect watercourses, bogs and restore/maintain environmental value to
land.

Other conservation and restoration measures.
Mapping and Plan Requirements for this Measure

The planner(s) must outline the boundary of the commonage target area on the map with
a red line.

For commonage areas, the planner must prescribe the number of ewe equivalents
suppressed. Where a farmer has both cattle and sheep, reductions in ewe equivalents
must begin by reducing ewe numbers.

The planner(s) must outline the boundary of the non-commonage target area on the map
with an orange line. The area within the orange line must be established by the Planner.
Information available from NPWS relating to the condition of the vegetation and habitat
type and destocking/grazing requirements must be included on the plan.

Where no information is available from NPWS, the planner and environmentalist/ecologist
must prepare an environmental report after walking as much of the site as is necessary to
determine the condition of the vegetation, habitat type and percentage destocking
reduction.

Where any environmental report is required:
o
It must describe the approximate extent of each habitat type, the vegetation type
and its condition.
o
The extent and degree of degradation must be used in arriving at a stock
reduction percentage. The classification of damage must be in accordance with
the guidelines outlined in Appendix 8.
o
A representative series of photographs for non commonage target areas must be
taken with their precise location and direction noted on the REPS map. At least 4
close detail colour photographs, standard size, are required to show the range of
habitats, condition of the vegetation and any special items. As well as close detail
photographs 2-3 medium landscape shots should be taken.
o
Photographs must be dated and numbered on the back according to the map
location and be included with the REPS application.
o
Mark on the REPS map the habitat type.
75
Planning for Target Land Farmed Outside the General REPS Programme
Farmers with non-commonage target land who opt not to participate in the general REPS
programme may include the target land only in a REPS plan, subject to complying with the
following conditions:

Farm all the land in the target area in accordance with all of the Measures of REPS
applicable to such land.

Implement Good Farming Practice on the entire holding.

Submit a REPS plan for the target area land of the holding accompanied by a map of
the entire holding identifying the specific plots in the designated areas.
76
Supplementary Measures
Introduction
Supplementary Measures are designed to take account of the need to resolve specific
environmental problems, such as the protection of important habitat sites and to give farmers
the opportunity to respond to market demands for the supply of organic food.
Farmers who undertake Supplementary Measures will be entitled to payment as set out in the
following sections.

Farmers may undertake as many Supplementary Measures as they wish; however
they will only be paid for any single Supplementary Measure or paid on two
Supplementary Measures where one is undertaken from Traditional Orchards,
LINNET Habitats or Riparian Zones and one is undertaken from Rare Breeds,
Organic Farming or Corncrake Habitat.

Where a participant is availing of payment under Measure A, payment may not be
accumulated with payment under the Organic Supplementary Measure.

Farmers who wish to undertake a Supplementary Measure or Measures must comply
with the Measure(s) from the commencement date of the plan.
77
Supplementary Measure 1
Corncrake Habitats
Corncrakes are now confined to a handful of areas, mainly the Shannon Callows, North
Donegal and West Connacht. This Supplementary Measure is targeted only at the corncrake
habitat areas in the Shannon Callows Special Protection Area, where numbers fell to
dangerously low levels in 2000-2003, and where emergency action is required. The
Corncrake habitat area comprises areas within the SPA which have in recent years regularly
held corncrakes. It consists mostly of hay meadow, but some grazing areas are included
where corncrakes have occurred in tall patches of nettles etc early in the season and where
farmers have removed stock to allow tall grass to grow during the breeding season. The
corncrake habitat area map will be available from local AES offices.
Corncrake Habitat Areas
For farmers wishing to participate in this measure the planner must identify those areas of the
farm that are in the Corncrake habitat area which are maintained as hay meadow. Farmers
with grazing areas inside the corncrake habitat area may also, if they wish, sign up for the
corncrake supplementary measure. In any case the identified area/s must be maintained as a
Hay meadow for the duration of the plan.
Participants of this measure who own meadow lands within the corncrake habitat area must
follow the management for corncrake habitat maintenance at “A” below. He/she must also
sign a declaration agreeing to participate with BirdWatch Ireland (BWI) in helping to conserve
the corncrake. When notified by BWI of the presence of Corncrake/s, participants must also
follow the Corncrake protection measures at “B” below.
Payment
A payment of €100/Ha will be available annually on lands identified as corncrake habitat area.
Payment of this top up will be made at the end of the recording year subject to submission of
certificate of compliance signed by BWI regarding the management requirements set out
below.
Managing Corncrake Habitat Areas
The corncrake habitat area must be managed as follows:
A. Management practices applicable annually for Corncrake habitat maintenance

Grazing is not permitted on the corncrake habitat area(s) after March 15 th. Traditional
grazing practices to be maintained. “Traditional “ to mean practices in use over the
previous ten years. The planner shall determine what constitutes traditional practice
which shall include the numbers and type of livestock, the species used and the
78
seasonal grazing pattern. Sheep and/or goats are not to be introduced into areas
where they have not been traditionally found.

Meadows must not be mown before August 1st. However centre out mowing is not
required.

A 2 metre margin must be left uncut to on one side to provide cover. See fig 1. These
can be cut after 1st September. Note: On the very narrow callows of Mather’s Callow
and Minus Island, the farmer and fieldworker can agree an appropriate width of
margin.
Fig 1: On the callows, a margin should be left on one side
CO
m
o
w
i
n
g
Margin left at
one edge

Meadows must be mown annually except when ground conditions make this
impossible.

No supplementary feeding to be introduced into areas where it was not traditionally
done. Traditional to be interpreted as previously defined.

The application of all Fertilisers, including slurry, is prohibited in the area covered by
normal winter floods and the area within 30 metres of the normal winter flood line.
Callows hay meadows which have been traditionally fertilised are an exception and
may be fertilised.

Maintenance of existing drains shall be permitted and no other drainage works shall
be embarked upon except with the prior agreement of NPWS. Any such permission
shall be written into the plan at the time such plan is prepared.

No dumping or infilling is allowed. Disposal of agri-waste, such as spoiled hay, is
considered dumping and is prohibited. The piling and subsequent burning of waste
hay is permitted on site. The importing of materials from other sites for the purpose
of burning is strictly prohibited.

No reseeding, reclamation or tree planting shall be permitted except with prior
agreement with NPWS and any such agreement shall be included in the plan.
79

Construction of new roads (including culverts and bridges) permitted only by specific
agreement with NPWS.
Any such agreement to be written into the plan.
The
maintenance of existing roadways is not restricted.

Noxious weeds that cannot be controlled mechanically maybe controlled by spot
treatment.
B. Corncrake protection measures
In any year when a nesting corncrake is identified on the Corncrake habitat area by BWI,
additional management practices as described below must be followed. In these years the
farmer will be notified not later than June 30th by BWI of the presence of nesting Corncrakes.

The corncrake habitat area(s) must not be cut or topped before August 10th.

Meadows in the corncrake habitat area must be cut by the “centre out” method
illustrated in diagram below. Centre out mowing involves either o
Cutting a small area for turning at either end of the field, mowing down the
centre of the field and then continuing to mow from the centre outwards; or
o
Driving to the centre of the field, leaving a small island of grass in the middle
and continuing to mow in a spiral outwards. The remaining island can then be
slowly strip-cut at the end; or cutting the field in strips from one side to the
other.
Fig 2 - Diagram of Centre Out Mowing

It is not permitted to cut any rounds around the outside of the field before starting
centre-out mowing.
If any rounds are cut outside-in, this does not constitute
Corncrake Friendly Mowing, and the grant will not be paid. If you are unsure about
the best method to use, the Corncrake Fieldworker may be consulted for further
advice about mowing.

A 2 metre margin must be left uncut on one side to provide cover. See fig 1 above.
These can be cut after 1st September. Note: On the very narrow callows of Mather’s
Callow, Borannagh Callow and Minus Island, the farmer and fieldworker can agree an
appropriate width of margin.
80

In relation to centre out mowing, the applicant must notify the fieldworker as early as
possible before mowing the area. If no attempt is made to contact the fieldworker in
advance of mowing, a penalty will be applied.

The REPS SM 1 payment will cover delayed mowing up to 10 th August. If later cutting
is deemed advisable by BWI, BWI will contact the farmer to discuss this option and
the additional amount payable under the NPWS/BWI Corncrake Grant Scheme
81
Supplementary Measure 2
Traditional Irish Orchards
Participants availing of this Supplementary Measure must follow the prescriptions detailed
below dealing with the establishment of traditional Irish orchards.
Payment
Annual payment of €150 per orchard established. Only one orchard per farm will receive
payment. The plot must be claimed as ‘other area’ in annual area aid declarations.
The qualifying area for the basic REPS payment is reduced by the area designated under this
supplementary measure.
Location and trees
1.
Orchard size must be a minimum of 0.05 hectares (500m 2), irrespective of farm size.
Orchard size should ideally be a square layout, but the minimum width must not be less
than 15 m wide in any event. The boundary of the orchard must be fenced off and made
stock proof for the duration of the contract period.
2.
The ideal site to choose is a south facing gentle slope with deep soil, well drained and
open to the sun with shelter from prevailing wind and low frost occurrence.
3.
Only varieties included in the Native Irish collection and which are included the
accompanying table may be planted. These varieties, and further information are
available
from
the
Irish
Seed
Savers
Association,
Scarriff,
Co.
Clare
(www.irishseedsavers.ie). If possible, varieties traditionally grown in the area should be
chosen from the list to be planted.
4.
Trees must be planted before the end of the second year of the plan.
5.
If an exposed site is chosen, it may require protection in the form of a high hedge or
windbreak.
Planting
1.
Standard trees on their own roots or grafted onto vigorous rootstocks should be planted
at a minimum spacing of 5.5 metres between trees. Sixteen trees per orchard must be
planted if using standard rootstock trees.
2.
Half standard trees should be planted at a minimum spacing of 4.4 metres between trees.
Twenty four trees per orchard must be planted if using half-standard on less vigorous
rootstock. Dwarfing varieties are not eligible.
3.
At least two approved compatible varieties must be planted, with no variety comprising
more than half the trees planted.
4.
Trees must be planted during the dormant season (November to March). In order to
ensure successful planting the following must be done:
 Cut and remove or graze all excess grass from the site
82
 Dig a hole deep and wide enough to hold entire root system
 Place sods, grass downwards, at the bottom of the hole
 Drive a suitable stake into the hole
 Place the tree in the hole, with the stake positioned to face the prevailing wind
 Add FYM (if soil is poor), and lime or rock phosphate if the soil is acidic
 Replace soil and then trample gently. Tree must be tied securely to stake.
After planting care
1.
The orchard may be mown or grazed with sheep (provided the trees are protected by a
tree guard). Sheep may not be allowed graze if there is no tree guard. Mowing before
July, or grazing at any time with cattle is not allowed.
2.
A 1 metre diameter area around newly planted trees must be kept weed – free for the
duration of the contract by using polythene with fine gravel, or other commercial grass
suppressor.
3.
Inorganic/organic fertiliser or lime may not be broadcast throughout the orchard.
However, well rotted farmyard manure and a small quantity of chemical fertiliser and lime
may be applied (taking care not to apply directly around the base of the tree), each year
after planting if soil is poor.
4.
If damage is being caused by rabbits/hares, measures to prevent further damage must be
taken by the erection of a rabbit-proof fence.
5.
Insecticides, fungicides may only be used in circumstances where the health of the tree is
threatened. Herbicides may be used to control noxious weeds by means of a weed wiper
or spot sprayer if mechanical means fail.
Varieties of Trees approved for use under Traditional Irish Orchard Supplementary
Measure of REPS.
Variety
Type
Traditional Location
AppletownWonder
Eating
Limerick
April Queen
Eating
Ulster Early Variety
Ard Cairn Russet
Eating
Cork
Ballinora Pippin
Eating
Ballinora, Co. Cork
Ballyfatten
Dual
Derry
Ballyvaughan Seedling
Dual
Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Barnhill Pippin
Dual
Armagh and Antrim until replaced by Bramley
Seedling
Beauty of Ballintaylor
Dual
Waterford/ Tipperary
83
Bloody Butcher
Brown Crofton
Culinary
Eating
Kilkenny and Offaly
Sligo, Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon,
Dublin and Wexford
Cavan Newington
Eating
Cavan
Cavan Rose
Culinary
Cavan
Cavan Strawberry/
Culinary
Cavan
Eating
Cavan
Culinary
Cavan
Strawberry Cooker
Cavan Sugercane
Cavan wine
Cider/Celadon
Cider/Culinary
Armagh
Clearheart
Dual
Kilkenny
Dick Davies
Eating
Dockney
Ecklinville Seedling
Eight Square or
Culinary/Cider
Culinary
Cork
Armagh
Antrim
Eating
Monaghan
Eating
Waterford
Kill Apple
Farrell
Frank's Seedling
George
Gibbons Russet
Gibby's Apple
Glenstal Cooker
Eating /Culinary/Juice
Dual
Eating /Cider
Eating
Culinary
Offaly
Offaly, Wexford and Kilkenny
Cork
Armagh and Antrim.
Limerick
Golden Royal
Eating
Monaghan
Greasy Pippin
Eating
Fermanagh and Tyrone
Green Chisel
Eating
Donegal
Honey Comb
Eating
Cavan
Honeyball
Eating
Kilkenny
Irish Molly
Eating
Cork
Irish Peach (Early Crofton)
Eating
Sligo
Irish Pitcher
Eating
Sligo, Mayo and Clare
Keegans Crab
Eating
Armagh
Kemp or May Bloom
Eating
Armagh
Kerry Pippin
Eating
Kilkenny and Antrim
Kilkenny Pearmain
Lady’s Finger of Offaly
Leitrim Red Apple
Dual
Eating
Culinary
Kilkenny
Offaly, Monaghan and Dublin
Leitrim
Lough Tree of Wexford
Eating
Wexford
Maidens Blush
Eating
Cavan
Martins Seedling
Culinary
Antrim.
Mother of Household
Culinary
Tipperary
Peach Melba
Eating
Kilkenny
Piltown Early Red
Eating
Kilkenny
Rawleys Seedling
Eating
Cork
Red Brandy
Eating
Kilkenny
84
Reid Seedling
Eating
Armagh
Ross Nonpareil
Eating
Wexford, Meath, Offaly Westmeath & Dublin
Sam Young ( Irish Russet)
Eating
Kilkenny, Offaly and Cavan
Scarlet Crofton
Eating
Sligo
Sheeps Snout
Eating/Culinary
Westmeath
Sovereign
Eating
Armagh
Strippy
Eating
Armagh
Summer John
Eating
Fermanagh
Thompsons Apple
Eating
Tyrone&Monaghan
Uncle Johns Cooker
White Crofton
White Moss
Culinary
Eating
Kilkenny
Sligo
Culinary/Cider
Kilkenny
Widows Friend
Eating
Armagh
Yellow Pitcher
Eating
Sligo/Donegal
There are limited amounts of the varieties listed below,
Bens Red
Eating
Kerry
Buttermilk Russet
Eating
Longford
Councillor
Custard Scarlet
Dual
Dublin
Culinary
Clare
Finola Lees
Cider
Tipperary
Kiltogat Blossom
Eating
Leitrim
Leixlip
Siberian Russet
Valentine
Culinary
Roscommon
Dual
Res. ongoing
Culinary/Cider
Kilkenny, Waterford.
Cabbage Stalk
Dual
Cavan
Mrs Perry
Dual
Donegal
White Russett
Foley
Richardson
Eating
Offaly
Dual
Cork
Eating
Kilkenny
85
Supplementary Measure 3
Conservation Of Animal Genetic Resources
The purpose of this measure is to assist farmers participating in REPS who rear animals of
the following native breeds that meet with the criteria of Article 14 of Regulations 445/2002
and 817/2004
Cattle:
Kerry
Equines: Connemara Pony
Dexter
Sheep: Galway
Irish Draught
Irish Maol (or Moiled)
Payment
Annual payment of €200 per LU. Payment will be made on the average livestock units of
registered animals per year, subject to the requirements listed below. Livestock units are
calculated as per Measure 2.
Requirements for Participation

The participant must be a member (breeder) of an approved breed society.

The participant must maintain an up to date monthly record of all registered animalson
the holding.
o
All female progeny from a purebred mating must be registered with the relevant
breed society.
o
All male progeny from a purebred mating must be birth notified and/or
registered as appropriate with the relevant breed society.

Breeding females must be clearly identified on the farm record sheet.

To qualify for payment registered10 adult females must produce registered offspring11 at
least once every 2 years otherwise these adult females will be excluded from the
calculation of average LUs over the year. An adult female is deemed to be a female
greater than 2 years of age in the case of bovines, 1 year of age in the case ofovines
and greater than 3 years of age in the case of equines.

In relation to herdowners who submit a claim for registered male animals greater than 3
years of age in the case of bovines and equines and 1 year of age in the case of ovines,
eligibility for inclusion in the calculation of average LUs over the year shall be limited as
follows:
o
maximum of 1 bull per herd of 30 cows
10
Registered with the appropriate breeding society.
11
Foal Certificate/Passport in the case of Connemara pony and Irish Draught
86

o
maximum of 1 stallion per 30 mares
o
maximum of 1 ram per 40 ewes.
Documentary evidence of registration/birth notification as appropriate and identification
of the animal on which aid is being claimed must be retained for inspection by the
Department.

The planner must detail in the agri-environmental plan the native breeds on the
holding and the number and category of animals currently registered.

The applicant must remain active as a breeder of the native breed being claimed on
during the period of the plan.

The REPS Planner must calculate the average livestock units eligible for payment
under this Supplementary Measure from the farm record sheets and record this figure
on the REPS 1C form.
Payment under this measure will be made at the end of the recording year.
Breed Societies:
Kerry Cattle Society of Ireland
Ms. Raymonde Hilliard
Cahirnane
Killarney
Co. Kerry
Ireland
064 31840
UK Dexter Cattle Society
Ms Elaine Lester,
Dishley Grange Farm,
Derby Road,
Loughborough,
Leicestershire.
LE11
Galway Sheep Breeders Society
Tom Murphy Assistant Secretary
New Inn,
Ballinasloe,
Co. Galway
090 9644233
teamurphy@eircom.net
Irish Draught Horse Society
Ms. Helen Kelly Secretary
Derrynagara,
Collinstown,
Co. Westmeath
044-61199
idhs@eircom.net
Connemara Pony Breeders Society
Michael Ward
The Showgrounds,
Clifden,
Co. Galway
095-21863
enquiries@cpbs.ie
Irish Moiled Cattle Society
Ms. Janet Kennedy Secretary
185 Craigs Road
Cullybackey
Ballymena BT367PN
Tel: 048 25880300
Email: janet.kennedy@ukf.net
www.irishmoiledcattlesociety.com
dextercattlesociety@btopenworld.com
5SF
87
Supplementary Measure 4
RIPARIAN ZONES
Riparian Zones and Lake-Side Strips
These areas are strips of land extending on average at least 10 metres in width and not more
than 30 metres on average from a designated river listed below. Farmers who avail of
Supplementary Measure 4 cannot use such lands for agricultural production.
In this context existing boundary fences or other natural barriers should be availed of.
The
area must be permanently fenced by the end of year one (non electric) to exclude livestock
but with suitable entry points by hung gate/s to facilitate machine entry for maintenance work
and stiles for access to fishing.
Designated Waters
Riparian zones may be located along the following designated rivers and tributaries, all of
which are important salmonid waters:
Aherlow, Argideen, Blackwater (Munster), Boyne, Bride, Brown Flesk, Corrib (including Lough
Corrib), Dargle, Delphi, Eriff, Feale, Fergus, Finn, Glashagh, Lee, Leannan, Lurgy,
Maggisburn, Maine (downstream of confluence with River Brown Flesk), Moy, Nore, Slaney,
Swilly, Vartry.
The following tributaries of the River Moy are also included:
Owengarve, Mullaghanoe, Spaddagh, Trimoge, Glore, Yellow, Gwesstion, Manulla,
Castlebar, Deel and Corry.
In addition other important salmonid rivers and their main tributaries may be designated
where the local Regional Fisheries Board confirms that the river is important for fresh water
breeding. A copy of this confirmation should be lodged with an application under this
measure.
88
Payments
Participants in REPS shall be entitled to €724.5/ha annually for land that must be set-aside for
5 years renewable for up to 20 years. Payment will be made subsequent to the end of the
first recording year subject to the fencing specified in the plan being completed. The longterm riparian zone area for payment is subject to a maximum of 2.5 hectares on any one
holding. The qualifying area for the basic REPS payment is reduced by the area designated
under this supplementary measure. Areas designated under this Supplementary Measure
cannot be included as forage area under the Area Aid Scheme.
Maintenance Guidelines for Riparian Zones

Allow vegetation to develop naturally within the zone - do not apply fertiliser or
pesticide except with the permission of the Central Fisheries Board.

Vegetation such as alder and scrub should be controlled to prevent closure across
the channel canopy.

Tree planting on up to 50% of the riparian zone with the following species is
recommended - oak, beech, willow, birch, ash, whitethorn, blackthorn or elder.
Conifers cannot be planted. Forestry premia under Regulation (EEC) No.2080/92 or
(EC) No 1257/99 cannot be paid on the land on which Riparian zone payments are
made.
Access for Regional Fisheries Boards
Employees of the Regional Fisheries Boards must be allowed access to riparian zones to
inspect and carry out such works as is deemed necessary by them. The creation of riparian
zones must not allow any other existing rights to be extinguished.
Supplementary Measure 5
LINNET (Land Invested in Nature, Natural Eco- Tillage) Habitats
Farmers who avail of this Supplementary Measure must grow a specific LINNET crop mix in a
designated plot(s) that encourages a diverse range of flora with the desired effect of
increasing wild bird populations.
Plot Location

Plots must not be located on “habitats” identified in the plan, or on land of high nature
conservation value.

They must not be located on lands where waders breed at high concentrations.

They should not be located on waterlogged areas such as peat lands or other
seasonally flooded areas.
89

They must be located on lands where a successful tillage crop can be grown.

The crop must be grown in the same ground for all five years of the REPS plan. The
crop should be sited next to thick hedges where possible or next to woodland or
scrub where there are no hedges.
Plot Size

The minimum eligible area is 0.5 hectares, the maximum eligible area is 2.5 hectares.

Plots of one hectare or more are most beneficial, as they hold seed for longer into the
winter. If more than one hectare of wild bird cover is to be grown, then plots
must be split
up over the farm.

Plots must be a minimum of 5 metres wide and 0.25 hectares in area.

Plots between 0.25 hectares and 0.5 hectares must be within 0.5 km of another plot.

Plots over 0.5 ha can be located anywhere on the holding.
Preparation Of The Plot
Fencing: The area must be fenced or otherwise inaccessible to all livestock. It is not
necessary to exclude wild deer.
Fertilisation: Any fertiliser, lime or slurry applications must be in accordance with the
requirements of Measure 1. Two-thirds normal REPS application rates should suffice, as the
intention is to create a more open crop that increases access to fallen seeds for birds.
Pesticides: Pre sowing weed control can be used, because the use of any pesticide
(including herbicides) is not permitted post sowing.
Sowing

A mix of at least two different crop types must be sown (e.g. cereals and brassicas).

Seed must be spring sown not later than May 31st.

Drilling is the preferred sowing method.

If broadcasting, increase seed rates by between one third (for smaller seeds) and a
half

Crop cover must be retained from establishment to the following March 1 st for one
year

(for larger seeds).
mixes.
If kale is used in the mix, the plot must be left untouched for two winters not ending
before March 1st of the second winter.

No harvesting or grazing can take place.

If the eligible area on farm is split into a number of plots each plot must contain a
LINNET
crop mix.
90
LINNET Crop Mixes
Wild Bird Cover can be made up of a mix that is sown every year or a mix that is sown every
other year. Recommended seed rates are lower than those for commercial crop production as
a more open crop increases access to fallen seeds and weeds for birds.
One year mixes: must contain a cereal (oats, barley, triticale) and at least one from the
following: quinoa, oilseed rape, linseed, mustard. Do not include brassicas (oilseed rape,
mustard etc.) if using the one year mix as a break crop between kale mixes.
An example of a one year mix is oats and linseed. This mix is a good option on heavier, acid
soils e.g. 60 kg/ha of oats and 25 kg/ha of linseed
Two year mixes: must contain kale and at least one from the following: quinoa, barley, oats,
triticale, and linseed. Kale is included because it is a biennial plant, the others are annual
plants. The cereal element of the two-year mix will require to be resown at the start of the
second spring by broadcasting.
Examples of two year mixes are given below:
Mix
Drilling Rates
Kale and quinoa
2.5 kg/ha of kale and 5 kg/ha of quinoa
Kale and cereal (oats, barley, triticale)
2.5 kg/ha of kale and 60 kg/ha of cereal
Payment
Payment will be made annually as follows:
First hectare will be paid at €700.
Additional areas up to 2.5 ha will be paid at €400 per hectare.
Maximum payment will be € 1,300.
The qualifying area for the basic REPS payment is reduced by the area designated under this
supplementary measure.
91
Supplementary Measure 6
ORGANIC FARMING
The objective of this supplementary measure is to deliver enhanced environmental and
animal welfare benefits and to encourage producers in REPS to respond to the market
demand for organically produced food.
General Conditions

Livestock and crops must be produced in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No
2092/91 as amended and Statutory Instrument No. 112 of 2004.

The supplementary measure 6 section of the REPS agri-environmental plan must be fully
completed. The current organic status and other status, where appropriate, of all the area
farmed, must be outlined.

A copy of a valid organic licence from one of the private inspection bodies approved by
the Minister for Agriculture and Food12 must be submitted with the initial application and
subsequently with each application for annual payment.

Leased land for payment must be for a minimum 5-year duration from the
commencement of the REPS contract. Conacre is not eligible for payment.

Producers who have attained full organic or in-conversion organic status, and who revert
to conventional farming production systems will be deemed ineligible for any future inconversion payments. Any payments accruing to such producers, during re-conversion,
will be at rates applicable to full organic status.

In-conversion payment can only be made once on a parcel of land.

Partial conversion of the holding is allowed under strict criteria, as outlined below.
However, Measure A land cannot be partially converted.

Commonage land/grazing rights are not eligible for the organic supplementary payment.
However, applicants with such lands may participate in this measure and receive a
combined Measure A and supplementary measure 6 payment, as outlined below.
Eligibility
Participants who wish to avail of this supplementary measure must:

Register with and be approved as an organic operator by one of the private inspection
bodies. The participant must hold a licence for the full duration of their REPS contract.

Register with the Organic Unit, Department of Agriculture and Food, Johnstown Castle
Estate, Wexford.
12
Currently 3 bodies approved, Demeter Standards Ltd, Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association
and Organic Trust Ltd
92
Plan Preparation
The Planner when advising the farmer of the various REPS requirements should discuss the
suitability of the farming enterprise for organic production methods.
Both the Planner and the farmer should also take particular cognisance of the following issues
that may be of relevance or arise during the course of the REPS contract:

Additional Lands

Minimum Farming Activity

Farmers with Commonage or Grazing Rights

Partial Conversion of the Holding
Additional Lands
If an applicant extends his/her organic holding and/or acquires additional lands eligible for
payment, a new 5 year agri-environmental plan must be submitted in the six week period prior
to the next anniversary date. He/She may receive payment at the in-conversion rate for the
additional land, unless the lands have previously been subject to an in-conversion payment.
Minimum Farming Activity
Livestock production
Payment will be computed on the basis of a minimum stocking level of 0.5 livestock units (LU)
per hectare of the forage area qualifying for payment and allows for farmers to receive
payment on a pro rata basis to their level of production.
Example
If a farm has a total forage area of 40ha and carries a total of 10 LU, the eligible area for
payment is 10 LU divided by the minimum stocking density of 0.5 LU which gives a
maximum eligible area for payment of 20 hectares.
If commonage is included in the holding, the forage area qualifying for organic payment must
be computed excluding the commonage area.
Crop Production
To provide for adequate rotation to facilitate the organic crop production cycle and in the
exclusive case of organic crop producers (non-livestock systems), at least 50% of the eligible
area for organic payment must be cropped each year.
For mixed farming enterprises, payment for crop production will be based on the actual area
cropped by the farmer.
Applicants with Measure A Land
93
Applicants with commonage or grazing rights may be allowed to participate in this Measure,
subject to the following conditions:

Prior approval of the private inspection body must be obtained.

The conditions of the relevant Commonage Framework Plan(s) must be adhered
to.
Applicants with non-commonage Measure A land must comply, where applicable, with the
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) conditions for this land.
Partial Conversion of the Holding
To facilitate and encourage the expansion of the sector, partial conversion of a holding, under
strict criteria, is permitted. These criteria are as follows:

This provision applies only to producers approved as an organic operator from June
1st 2004.

The full holding must be the subject of a REPS plan.

Partial conversion of a tillage holding is allowed subject to the following:
o
A different crop type (identified by genus, i.e., barley or wheat or oats etc) to
that grown on the lands farmed conventionally must be grown on the organic
land.
o
Tillage producers may undertake organic livestock production on condition
that livestock production cannot co-exist with conventional livestock
production (with the exception of pig and poultry production) and the whole
area of the unit for organic animal feed must be under organic management.
Organic pig production cannot however co-exist with conventional pig
production and organic poultry production cannot co-exist with conventional
poultry production.

Partial conversion of livestock holdings is allowed for pig and poultry production only
subject to the following:
o
Organic pig production cannot co-exist with conventional pig production and
organic poultry production cannot co-exist with conventional poultry
production.
o
The whole area of the facility/unit used for organic animal feed must be under
organic management.

Partial conversion of mixed farm holdings (i.e. livestock and crop production) is
allowed subject to the following:
o
Organic livestock production cannot co-exist with conventional livestock
production, with the exception of pig and poultry production as outlined above.
o
A different crop type (identified by genus, i.e., barley or wheat or oats etc) to that
grown on the lands farmed conventionally must be grown on the organic land
94
o
The whole area of the facility/unit used for organic animal feed must be under
organic management.

The land must remain under organic production methods for at least 5 years from the
date of commencement of the REPS contract. Areas being converted must be clearly
identified in the REPS agri-environmental plan and in the farm record sheets using
LPIS and REPS Plot numbers.
Payments
Payments to participants converting to or continuing with organic farming production
systems under this Supplementary Measure are paid subsequent to the recording year.
The payments for the in-conversion phase will be for a maximum period of two years from
the commencement date of conversion to organic production methods. However if an
applicant
submits a valid application for REPS within 4 months of the date his/her
organic licence commences, he/she will be eligible for payment at the in-conversion rate
of payment for the first 2 years of their REPS contract. Otherwise, the full organic status
rate will apply from the beginning of the month following the date that full organic status is
achieved.
Payment for an applicant with both in-conversion and fully organic land who has less than
the minimum farming activity outlined above will be computed on the land with full organic
status first with the balance, where appropriate, at the in-conversion rate.
Rates
In conversion
Full organic status
Horticultural
Holdings of <= 3
hectares (ha) with at
least 1.0 ha under
fruit or vegetables
(excludes green
manures)
A
€242/ha
€121/ha
Holdings >3ha and
up to 55ha
>55 ha (rates in
previous column
apply up to 55ha)
B
€181/ha
€91/ha
C
€30/ha
€15/ha
Holdings with Measure A Land

Organic payments cannot be made on parcels of land receiving Measure A payment.
o
Where the applicant chooses to avail of payment under Measure A, Measure A
payment must be calculated first and remaining land may receive the organic
supplementary measure. For holdings over 55 hectares receiving payment under
both measures, the number of hectares paid under Measure A must be deducted
from any payment entitlement under B in the table above (eg. an 80 hectare
holding –fully organic - with 20 hectares of commonage will receive Measure A on
the 20 hectares, €91 on the next 35 hectares and €15 on the remaining 25
hectares, these are subject to minimum farming activity requirements).
95
o
Where the applicant chooses not to avail of payment under Measure A, all
eligible non-commonage land may receive the organic supplementary payment.
Calculation of Payment
The eligible area (ha)13 for payment is entered on the REPS 1C in the Organic (SM6) box.
It is important to note that where the stocking density for the forage area exceeds 0.5
livestock units per hectare, the eligible area entered in the Organic (SM6) box on the REPS
1C must not exceed the farmer’s total forage area + area under crops (if applicable). As
stated previously, if commonage is included in the holding, the forage area qualifying for
organic payment must be computed excluding this commonage area.
The applicant must retain a copy of all records (ie REPS record sheets) – which may be
requested by the Department to substantiate how the eligible area (ha) was calculated.
Table 1 - Livestock Unit (L.U.) Equivalents for Calculation of Organic Payment
Dairy Cow
Suckler Cow
Cattle 0-1 year
Cattle 1-2 year
Cattle over 2 years & or Bulls
Mountain Ewe + Lamb
Lowland Ewe + Lamb
Lowland Hoggett
Mountain Hoggett
Goat
Deer (Red)
Deer (Fallow/Sika)
Sow (farrow to finish)
Sow (farrow to weaner)
Finishing pig
Laying hen
Broiler
Turkey
1.0 L.U.
1.0 L.U.
0.4 L.U.
0.6 L.U.
1.0 L.U.
0.15 L.U.
0.15 L.U.
0.15 L.U.
0.15 L.U.
0.15 L.U.
0.38 L.U.
0.15 L.U.
1.1 L.U.
0.45 L.U.
0.08 L.U. a)
0.01 L.U.
0.003 L.U. b)
0.005 L.U. c)
Horses are ineligible and therefore must not be included or taken into account in
calculating an applicant ’s number of livestock units.
13
a)
For finishing pigs; it is assumed a throughput of 2 pigs/pig place/year
Example: From REPS record sheet, 40 finishing pigs per pig place would equate to
80 pigs throughput per year.
b)
For Broilers; it is assumed a throughput of 3 broilers/place/year
c)
For Turkeys; it is assumed a throughput of 3 turkeys/place/year
The eligible area entered on the REPS 1C cannot exceed the maximum eligible REPS area.
96
An applicant with 10 hectares of commonage and 55 hectares of non measure A land
(all forage) has 27.5 livestock units and is entitled to payment at the in-conversion rate.
The farmer who opts for the organic measure payment and forgoes Measure A will
receive a payment under this measure of €9,955 (ie. 27.5 livestock units divided by
0.5LU = 55 hectares X €181. Commonage is excluded for the calculation. On the
REPS 1C, the eligible area should be entered as 55 hectares.
An applicant with 10 hectares (all in forage) has 10 livestock units and is entitled to
payment at the in-conversion rate. This farmer will receive a payment of €1,810 (ie. 10
ha X €181). On the REPS 1C, the eligible area should be entered as 10 hectares.
An applicant has 10 hectares (5 hectares are in forage and 5 hectares are under crop
production), has 2 livestock units and is entitled to payment at the in-conversion rate.
This farmer will receive payment as follows:
Livestock element:
Crop element of:
Total payment
€724 (ie. based on 4 hectares)
€905 (ie. based on the actual area under crop
production ie. 5 hectares).
€1629
On the REPS 1C, the eligible area should be entered as 9 hectares.
97
APPENDIX 1
APPROVED SOIL SAMPLING PROCEDURE
a) For sampling purposes divide the farm into fields or areas of 2-4 hectares.
Exceptionally where soil types are similar and cropping and treatment of lands were
the same during the previous five years; a sample area of up to 12 hectares may be
acceptable.
b) Take separate samples from areas that are different in soil type, previous
cropping
history, slope, drainage or persistent poor yields.
c) Avoid any unusual spots such as old fences, ditches, drinking troughs, dung or urine
patches or where fertilizer or lime has been heaped or spilled.
d) Do not sample a field for P and K until 3 months after the last application of P and K
and/or animal or other manures.
e) Follow a sampling pattern as shown in the figure below taking a soil core to the full
100 mm depth. Place the 20 cores in the soil box to make up the sample. Make sure
the box is full of soil.
f)
Write the field number and sample number on the soil box.
Figure 1: Sampling pattern
98
Appendix 1 (continued)
Table 1: N Index for tillage crops that follow short leys or tillage
Previous Crop
Index 1
Index 2
Index 3
Cereals, Maize (no animal
manures)
Leys (1-4 years) Cut only,
low N1
Italian ryegrass
Vegetables receiving less
than 200 Kg/ha N
Sugar beet, fodder
beet, potatoes,
mangels & kale
Leys (1-4 years) grazed
or cut and grazed, high
N2
Swedes removed
Vegetables receiving
more than 200 Kg/ha N
1
Low N <250Kg/ha/Yr N and low clover content.
2
High N > 250Kg/ha/Yr N or high clover content
Peas, beans
Oilseed Rape
Swedes grazed
in situ
Index 4
Any crop
receiving
frequent
dressings of
animal manures.
Table 2: N Index for tillage crops that follow long leys(5 years or more) or permanent
pasture
Previous Crop
Index 1
Index 2
Index 3
Index 4
Any crop sown as the
fifth or subsequent
tillage crop following
long leys or
permanent pasture.
Any crop sown as the
third or fourth tillage
crop following long
leys or permanent
pasture. If the
original long ley or
permanent pasture
was cut only or
received low N1, use
Index 1
Any crop sown as the
second or third tillage
crop following long
leys or permanent
pasture. (See also
Index 4). If original
long ley or
permanent pasture
was cut only or
received low N1, use
Index 2
Any crop sown as the
second or third tillage
crop following very
long leys or
permanent pasture
which was grazed
only and received
high N2
1
Low N <250Kg/ha/Yr N and low clover content.
2
High N > 250Kg/ha/Yr N or high clover content
99
Appendix 1 (continued)
LABORATORIES APPROVED FOR SOIL ANALYSIS UNDER REPS
The following laboratories are approved to analyse soils in accordance with REPS.
Lab Code
A
Name
AIRE Laboratories Ltd.
B
EURO Environmental Services
C
F.B.A. Laboratories Ltd.
D
Independent Analytical Supplies Ltd
E
Oldcastle Laboratories Ltd.
F
OMAC Laboratories
G
Southern Scientific Services
H
Teagasc Environmental Research Centre
Address
Cappagh Cross,
Ballyhooley, Fermoy,
Co. Cork
South Bank House
Sough Bank Ind. Estate,
Drogheda, Co. Louth
F.B.A. House,
Cork Road, Fermoy,
Co. Cork
Kilcarrig St.,
Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow
Cogan Street, Oldcastle,
Co. Meath
Athenry Road, Loughrea,
Co. Galway
Dunrine,
Killarney, Co. Kerry
Johnstown Castle,
Wexford
The soil test analysis report from the approved laboratories must give the following
information; soil pH, lime requirement and phosphorus level.
100
APPENDIX 2
Table 1: ANIMAL HOUSING REQUIREMENTS, SLURRY STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Livestock
House Types
No. of animals places
Horses
Loose house
15 m2
Cubicle Kennel and Slatted
Houses
Loose House
1 place per cow
4m2 per cow
Cubicle, Kennel and Slatted
Houses
Slatted Houses (no calves)
Slatted Houses (with calves)
1 per cow
2.5 to 3.0m2 per cow
allow 1m2 extra for spring born
and 1.75m2 extra for Autumn
born calves
Loose Houses
Or
Combination of loose house and
slatted feeding area
3.5m2 to 4.0m2 per cow
where calves run with cows
allow 1m2 extra as for loose
house
> 275Kgs
Cubicle, Kennel Houses
Slatted, Sloped Floor House
Loose House
1 cubicle per animal
Animal Area 2.0m2 per animal
Internal Area 3.0m2 per animal
Smaller Cattle
< 275 Kgs
Slatted House/Sloped Floor House
Loose House
Internal Area 1.2m2 per animal
Internal Area 2.0m2 per animal
Dairy Cows
Suckler Cows
Other Cattle
* Calves
< 150 Kgs
150 <220 Kgs
>220 Kgs
Sheep
Ewes
Store Lambs
Pen space per animal
Group Pens
1.5m2
1.7m2
1.8m2
Fully Slatted houses
Fully Slatted houses
Internal Area 1.0m2 to 1.2m2 per
ewe
Internal Area 0.75m2 per lamb
In the case of straw bedded houses for sheep add 10% in area.
* Minimum area, Article 4, S.I. No. 138 of 1998, laying down minimum standards for
the protection of calves
101
APPENDIX 2(continued)
Table 2
Estimated quantities of neat excreta produced by the different classes of livestock (av. weight animals)
Description of animal
Volume (Litres/Week)
Remarks
Dairy Cow
Suckler Cow
Beef Cattle - 450 Kg live weight
Young Cattle- 250 Kg live weight
Calf - 140 Kg live weight
315
280
250
140
80
Sheep, Goats and Horses
Lowland ewes
Mountain ewes
Lambs - Finishing
Goat
Horse
Pony
28
17
13
20
193
116
Deer
Red (96 - 120 Kg)
Fallow (50 Kg)
Sika (55 - 60 Kg)
42 plus 16.0 if 40 - 60Kg calf is housed for feeding
16 plus 8.0 if 20 - 30 Kg calf is housed for feeding
17 plus 8.0 if 20 - 30 Kg calf is housed for feeding
Pigs
*Finishing pig
mean live weight 58 Kg
water/meals
ratio in feed
*Lactating sow and litter
water/meals
ratio in feed
2.0 to 1
2.5 to 1
3.0 to 1
3.5 to 1
4.0 to 1
3.0 to 1
20
27
34
41
48
97
These figures are based
on a daily intake of
1.95 Kgs meal/pig
These figures are based
on a daily intake of
5.5 Kgs of meal/sow
3.5 to 1
4.0 to 1
115
135
*Dry Sow/Boar
water/meals
ratio in feed
3.0 to 1
3.5 to 1
4.0 to 1
44
53
62
These figures are based on
a daily intake of 2.5 Kgs
of meal/animal
*Gilt
water/meals
ratio in feed
2.5 to 1
3.0 to 1
35
44
These figures are based on
a daily intake of 2.5 Kgs
of meal/gilt
12
15
Kg/week
81
89
45
included
72
These figures are based on
a daily intake of 0.85 Kgs/pig
*Weaner
2.5 to 1
water/meals ratio in fee
3.0 to 1
Poultry
Laying hens (100 places)
Laying hens (100 places)
Broilers (100 places) - from day olds to 35 - 49days
Turkeys (100 places) - from day olds to 120 days
litter included
Rabbit
Greyhounds
Battery caged
Free range
Av. figure per crop (5.5 per year) - litter
Av. Figure per crop (2 to 3 per year) -
1.9
15
* The water source can be either drinking water, whey, skim milk, silage effluent etc., or a combination of these
102
APPENDIX 2(continued)
Table 3
Storage Capacity Required per Bovine Animal Using Uncovered Tanks between 1.7 and 2.75m
deep/high
Animal(s)
Rainwater)
Slurry Storage Capacity (Neat Excreta + Extraneous Water +
Type
m3/week
m3/16
weeks
m3/20
weeks
m3/24
weeks
m3/26
weeks
Dairy Cow (560 Kg l. wt.)
0.42
6.7
8.4
10.1
10.9
Suckler Cow (500 Kg l. wt.)
0.37
6.0
7.5
9.0
9.7
Beef Cattle (450 Kg l. wt.)
0.33
5.3
6.6
8.0
8.6
Young Cattle (250 Kg l. wt.)
0.19
3.0
3.7
4.5
4.8
Calf (140 Kg l. wt.)
0.11
1.7
2.1
2.6
2.8
Table 4
Storage Capacity Required per Bovine Animal Using Uncovered Tanks less than 1.7m deep/high
Animal(s)
Slurry Storage Capacity (Neat Excreta + Extraneous Water +
Rainwater)
Type
m3/week
m3/16
weeks
m3/20
weeks
m3/24
weeks
m3/26
weeks
Dairy Cow (560 Kg l. wt.)
0.45
7.2
9.1
10.9
11.8
Suckler Cow (500 Kg l. wt.)
0.40
6.4
8.0
9.7
10.5
Beef Cattle (450 Kg l. wt.)
0.36
5.7
7.2
8.6
9.4
Young Cattle (250 Kg l. wt.)
0.20
3.2
4.0
4.8
5.2
Calf (140 Kg l. wt.)
0.11
1.8
2.3
2.8
3.0
Table 5
Storage Capacity Required per Bovine Animal Using Uncovered Tanks more than 2.75m
deep/high
Animal(s)
Slurry Storage Capacity (Neat Excreta + Extraneous Water + Rainwater)
Type
m3/week
m3/16
weeks
m3/20
weeks
m3/24
weeks
m3/26
weeks
Dairy Cow (560 Kg l. wt.)
0.39
6.2
7.7
9.3
10.1
Suckler Cow (500 Kg l. wt.)
0.34
5.5
6.9
8.2
8.9
Beef Cattle (450 Kg l. wt.)
0.31
4.9
6.1
7.4
8.0
Young Cattle (250 Kg l. wt.)
0.17
2.7
3.4
4.1
4.5
Calf (140 Kg l. wt.)
0.10
1.6
2.0
2.4
2.6
103
APPENDIX 2(continued)
Table 6
Storage Capacity Required per Bovine Animal Using Separate Covered Tanks-Animals not
housed over slatted tanks
Animal(s)
Slurry Storage Capacity (Neat Excreta + Extraneous Water + Rainwater)
Type
m3/week
m3/16
weeks
m3/20
weeks
m3/24
weeks
m3/26
weeks
Dairy Cow (560 Kg l. wt.)
0.33
5.3
6.6
7.9
8.6
Suckler Cow (500 Kg l. wt.)
0.29
4.7
5.9
7.0
7.6
Beef Cattle (450 Kg l. wt.)
0.26
4.2
5.2
6.3
6.8
Young Cattle (250 Kg l. wt.)
0.15
2.4
2.9
3.5
3.8
Calf (140 Kg l. wt.)
0.08
1.3
1.7
2.0
2.2
Table 7
Animal(s)
Tank Storage Capacity Required per Animal in Roofed Slatted Houses
Slurry Storage Capacity (Neat Excreta + Extraneous Water + Rainwater)
Type
m3/week
m3/16
weeks
m3/20
weeks
m3/24
weeks
m3/26
weeks
Dairy Cow (560 Kg l. wt.)
0.36
5.8
7.2
8.7
9.4
Suckler Cow (500 Kg l. wt.)
0.32
5.1
6.4
7.7
8.4
Beef Cattle (450 Kg l. wt.)
0.29
4.6
5.7
6.9
7.5
Young Cattle (250 Kg l. wt.)
0.16
2.6
3.2
3.9
4.2
Calf (140 Kg l. wt.)
0.09
1.5
1.8
2.2
2.4
FLOOR AREA REQUIRED IN A DUNGSTEAD
The depth of slurry in the store should not exceed 1.2m and the width should not exceed 8m. The
height of the walls should be 1.5m to allow 300mm freeboard between the level of the slurry and the top
of the wall. Facilities must be provided for the collection of seepage.
Table 8
Animal(s)
Storage Requirement for Dungstead Manure with Depth of Slurry 1.2m
Floor area required for various storage periods
Type
m2/week
0.236
m2/16
weeks
3.78
m2/20
weeks
4.7
m2/24
weeks
5.66
m2/26
weeks
6.14
Dairy Cow (560 Kg l. wt.)
Suckler Cow (500 Kg l. wt.)
0.210
3.36
4.2
5.04
5.46
Beef Cattle (450 Kg l. wt.)
0.187
3.00
3.75
4.48
4.86
Young Cattle (250 Kg l. wt.)
0.105
1.68
2.1
2.52
2.73
Calf (140 Kg l. wt.)
0.060
0.96
1.2
1.44
1.56
104
APPENDIX 2(continued)
Table 9
Storage requirement for silage effluent from material with average dry matter
Crop
3 Day requirement per 100
tonnes
m
Grass (leafy)
Arable (oats & vetch)
Catch Crops
Sugar Beet Tops
Maize
Whole Crop Fodder Beet
7
7
12
15
4
11.5
Total storage requirement per
100 tonnes
M
21
21
38
50
10
36
105
Appendix 3
Table 1 Farm Yard Manure Production
Estimated quantities of FYM produced by different classes of livestock (average weight
animals)
Type of Animal
Dairy Cow
Dairy Cow
Dairy Cow
Suckler Cow
Suckler Cow
Suckler Cow
Beef Cattle
450 kg Lwt
"
"
Young Cattle
250 kg Lwt
Neat Excreta
(faeces &
Urine)
Litres/week
Straw Usage
Kg/week
Urine
absorbed
Litres/week
Excess Urine
Litres/week
315
315
315
280
280
280
20
30
55
20
30
49
50
75
137
50
75
122
87
62
Nil
72
47
Nil
Volume of
FYMm3/week
(where
allowed to
accumulate
under stock)
0.340
0.442
0.700
0.324
0.427
0.623
250
250
250
16
20
46
40
50
116
76
66
Nil
0.265
0.306
0.575
25
35
65
12
17
38
16
10
8
33
39
3.4
40
30
Nil
25
20
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
0.159
0.200
0.324
0.083
0.103
0.187
0.077
0.046
0.030
0.59*
1.47*
0.053
0.011
0.03
0.005
0.026
0.004
0.026
46
175
0.238
140
10
140
14
140
26
Calf140 kg Lwt
80
5
80
7
80
15
Lowland Ewe
28
7
Mountain Ewe
17
4
Lambs - Finishing
13
3
Horses * (455 kg Lwt)
163
28
Horses * (540 kg Lwt)
193
84
Red Deer Mature
Red Deer Calf
Fallow Deer Mature
Fallow Deer Calf
Sika Deer Mature
Sika Deer Calf
Goat
17
1.4
Pigs – typical commercial unit (farrow to finish)/sow
283
19
106
Appendix 3 (continued)
In calculating the volumes of solid manure (FYM) produced, account is taken of total faeces less
evaporation, the quantity of straw used and the volume of urine absorbed. To arrive at these figures
account must also be taken of the density of the bedding material used, as follows:
Table 2: Density and Absorbency of Selected Bedding Materials
Materials
Bulk Density
Kg/m3
130
109
64
190
192
215
500
210
300
190
Baled Straw
Chopped Straw
Loose Straw
Newspaper – shredded and baled
Sawdust (dry)
Sawdust (moist)
Peat - sphagnum (baled)
Peat - sphagnum (loose)
Peat - Fen (loose)
Wood shavings (softwood)
Net Water Absorbency in Litres/Kg
of bedding
2.5
2.5
2.5
3.3
2.5
1.9
3.5
3.5
1.75
1.5
Where straw or shredded newspaper is used as litter and the bedding is allowed to accumulate under
the stock it is suggested that a reduction of half the original volume be applied in calculating the storage
volume required.*There is no accumulation and therefore no compaction in the case of horse manure.
Table 3: Straw Bale Densities1 (2003 Data)
Round Balers
Standard
Round
Size (m)
Volume (m3)
Avg
Density(kg/m3)
Avg Weight (kg)
Normal range
Low Density
(kg/m3)
Low Weight (kg)
High Density
(kg/m3)
High Weight (kg)
1
SOURCE: Teagasc
High Density Square
Medium
square
Conventional
Large
Round
Big
Square
Medium
small
1.25
X
1.25
1.55
x
1.25
1.29
x
1.25
x
2.4
0.85
x
0.85
x
2.4
0.9
x
0.6
x
2.4
0.36
x
0.46
x
0.9
1.53
2.36
3.87
1.734
1.34
0.15
90
137.7
90
212.4
150
580.5
150
260.1
140
187.6
110
16.5
80
122.4
80
188.8
140
541.8
141
244.494
130
174.2
90
13.5
120
183.6
120
283.2
175
677.25
175
303.45
170
227.8
130
19.5
Small Square
107
APPENDIX 4
Table 1 Soiled Water Figures
Soiled water produced in a 6 unit (48 - 50 cow) milking premises depending on available facilities
Operation
Collecting yard has a
solid floor totally
washed after each
milking
Total amount of water
(litres/day)
Collecting yard has a slatted
floor or a solid floor scraped
after each milking and washed
daily with the minimum
amount of water
Total amount of water
(litres/day)
380
90
88
68
1600
2226
380
90
88
68
680
1306
Cleaning milking machine
Cleaning bulk tank
Udder Washing
Dairy Washing
Milking Premises & Collecting yard
Total
Volume/cow/day
45
26
Add 4 litres per cow per day to these figures to account for slurry produced during milking periods.
Soiled water storage
340 litres
210 litres
required/cow/week
Where the collection yard is uncovered then a further allowance must be made for the appropriate
rainfall.
Plate cooler Unit
Where this equipment is installed there is a water requirement of 23 litres per cow per day. Such water
should ideally be re-used; however, since it will have a temperature of 24ºC to 30ºC, bacterial growth
will take place if stored for some time. For this reason it is only suitable for either udder washing, prerinsing or detergent washing of the milking machine. Any surplus should be drained to the clean water
disposal system.
Calculation of volumes of other soiled waters
Soiled open concrete surfaces to which livestock have access and farmyard manure pits - *rainfall on
the entire area.
Dungsteads - total effluent seepage of 120 litres per m2 of surface area (where depth of slurry store is
1.2m) plus *rainfall over the area of store.
Open silage pits
(a)
Where silage is self fed - *rainfall on 50% of total floor area where the fall in silage cover is
away from the face and 100% where the fall is towards the face.
(b)
Where silage is easy fed no collection is required where all waste silage is collected and stored
in a purpose-built manure pit following each occasion that silage is removed from the store for
feeding. (Silage covers shall never be retained in position by F.Y.M.).
(c)
The rainfall figure is based on an average week’s precipitation during the housing period. In
the drier eastern and midland regions this is taken as 25mm per week; in the western region a
figure of 30mm is taken. Higher rainfall figures will be required in known very wet areas.
108
Appendix 4 (continued)
Table 2: Storage and Disposal of Soiled Water
System
of
Disposal
Interval
of
Spreading
Design
Considerations
Storage Requirements
Vacuum Tanker
7 - 10 days
Soils of
suitable
permeability
Soiled water from all
sources for a 10 day
period (minimum 60mm
rainfall on soiled areas)
Manually
operated
pump and
sprinkler
system
and 3 chamber
holding tank
Irregular
4 - 10 days
Soils of suitable
permeability;
regular movement
of sprinklers.
Danger of dry
running of pumps
Soiled water from all
sources for a 10 day
period (minimum 60mm
rainfall on soiled areas)
Automatic
pump and
sprinkler
system +
3 chamber
holding
tank
Daily
Soils of suitable
permeability.
Regular
movement of
sprinklers.
The highest daily
rainfall, equivalent to
7 normal days (30mm)
on soiled areas, plus 3
day storage of other
soiled water/washings
from milking premises etc.
Automatic
pump and
mobile
irrigation
system and
3 chamber
holding Tank
Daily
Soils of suitable
permeability.
Ditto as above
All systems
Irregular
from daily
up to 12 weeks
or longer in
exceptional
circumstances
(a) Difficult soils
with low moisture
deficits.
Poor trafficability,
Moderate/steep
gradients.
Proximity to lakes
and water courses.
*Soiled water from all sources
for up to 12 weeks or longer
where no alternative
options are available.
Rainfall, a minimum of
25mm or 30mm per week
as appropriate on soiled area
for the storage period.
(b) Shallow freedraining soils over
permeable sub-strata.
*Allowance should be made where a dairy farmer is not engaged in winter milk production.
109
Appendix 5
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Production Figures
Table 1: Annual Production from Different Livestock Types
Type
Nitrogen (N)
Phosphorus (P)
per head/place
per head/place
kgs
kgs
Dairy Cow
85
13
Suckler Cow
65
10
Cattle 0-1 year old
24
3
Cattle 1-2 year old
57
8
Cattle > 2 years
65
10
Mountain Ewe + Lamb(s)
7
1
Lowland Ewe + Lamb(s)
13
2
Mountain Hogget
4
0.6
Lowland Hogget
6
1
Goat
9
1
Horse - mature (3 years old – 540Kg)
50
9
Horse - (2 years old - 500Kg)
44
8
Horse - (yearling - 350Kg)
36
6
Horse-foal (to 12 months old – 175Kg)
25
3
Donkey/Small Pony (approx. 300Kg)
30
5
6-24 months
13
2
Over 2 years
25
4
6-24 months
7
1
Over 2 years
13
2
6-24 months
6
1
Over 2 years
10
2
Sow (to Weaner) per place
29
9
Sow (to Finish) per place
67
22
Finishing pig (average weight 58Kg) - per
8.8
3
Laying Hen per bird place
0.64
0.20
Broiler per bird place
0.6
0.13
Turkey per bird place
1.0
0.4
Red Deer
Fallow Deer
Sika Deer
place
110
Appendix 5 (continued)
Table 2: The amount of nutrients N & P contained in 1m3 (1000 litres) of slurry stored in a range
of tanks on farm:
Type of storage tank
Cattle Slurry
Pig Slurry
Sheep Slurry
N (Kg)
P(Kg)
N (Kg)
P (Kg)
N (Kg)
P (Kg)
Uncovered 1.7 to 2.75m
deep
Uncovered < 1.7m deep
3.9
0.60
3.0
1.0
-
-
3.6
0.56
2.6
0.85
-
-
Uncovered > 2.7m deep
4.3
0.66
3.5
1.14
-
-
Separate covered
5.0
0.77
4.3
1.42
-
-
Roof slatted
5.0
0.77
4.3
1.42
10.2
1.5
Table 3 Average Estimated Amounts of N and P Contained in One Tonne (1000Kg) of Organic
Manures and By Products other than Slurry
Poultry (Broiler Litter) D.M. 60%
Poultry (Layers droppings) D.M. 30%
Poultry (Layers droppings - Air dried) D.M.
55%
Turkey Litter
Dungstead manure
Farmyard manure
Spent mushroom compost
Sewage Sludge
Dairy Processing waste
N (Kg)
P (Kg)
28
14.5
26
9
5.0
9.2
28
13.8
3.5
0.9
4.5
1.2
8.8
3.5
N & P content shall as declared by the supplier in
accordance with S.I. No. 148 of 1998
Certified analysis to be provided by the supplier
To facilitate the conversion of volumes to weights and vice versa, approximate bulk
density figures for concentrated organic materials are provided hereunder
Slurry
Poultry Manure (broiler litter)
Poultry Manure (layer droppings)
Poultry Manure (layer droppings - air dried)
Dungstead Manure
Farmyard Manure
Spent Mushroom Compost
Horse manure
1.0 tonnes/ m3
0.4 “
“
1.0 “
“
0.4 “
“
0.9 “
“
0.77 “ “
0.5 “
“
0.65 ‘’ ‘’
111
APPENDIX 6
Central and Regional Fisheries Board Addresses
1
CENTRAL FISHERIES BOARD
Balnagowan, Mobhi Boreen, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
Tel: 01 - 8379206; Fax: 01 - 8360060
2
EASTERN REGION
Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, Balnagowan,
15A Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Tel: 01-2787022; Fax: 01-2787025
3
SOUTHERN REGION
Southern Regional Fisheries Board, Epworth, Anglesea Street,
Clonmel, Co Tipperary.
Tel: 052 - 23624, 24932; Fax: 052 - 23971
4
SOUTH-WESTERN REGION
South-Western Regional Fisheries Board,
1 Neville’s Terrace, Masseytown, Macroom, Co Cork.
Tel: 026 - 41221, 41222; Fax: 026 - 41223
5
SHANNON REGION
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board,
Ashbourne Business Park,
Dock Road,
Limerick.
Tel: 061-300238; Fax: 061-300308
6
WESTERN REGION
Western Regional Fisheries Board, The Weir Lodge, Earl's Island,
Galway.
Tel: 091 - 563110, 563118, 563119; Fax: 091 - 566335
7
NORTH-WESTERN REGION
North-Western Regional Fisheries Board, Ardnaree House, Abbey Street,
Ballina, Co Mayo.
Tel: 096 - 22788; Fax: 096 - 70543
8
NORTHERN REGION
Northern Regional Fisheries Board, Station Road, Ballyshannon,
Co Donegal.
Tel: 071-9851435; Fax: 071-9851816
112
APPENDIX 7
Hedgerow Information
Guidelines for Rejuvenation/Coppicing/Laying of Hedges/Establishing of New
Hedgerows.
When is rejuvenation appropriate?
Unmanaged hedgerows have a natural lifespan of up to forty years and since there is only
very limited natural regeneration (seeding) within a hedgerow, over time hedgerows lose
vigour, become thin at the base and eventually die out. Rejuvenation allows the natural
lifespan of hedgerow plants to be extended almost indefinitely.
Rejuvenation is major surgery and should only be carried out on relatively healthy i.e. not
diseased hedgerows. Rejuvenation extends the natural life of the hedgerow by interrupting
the natural aging process. When a hedge is cut, the plants will react in two ways. Firstly,
dormant buds sprout just before the cut. Secondly, the plants begin to grow more vigorously
to counteract the damage inflicted by cutting. This results in an overall thickening of the
hedgerow.
A Comparison Between Coppicing and Laying Hedgerows
Coppicing
Effect of Species
Most
Laying
hedgerow
suitable
for
species
are
Most suitable for stems of 50-
coppicing.
An
200mm diameter at the base.
exception is Beech
Height of approx. 2.5 – 4.5
metres.
Effect on Shelter
Loss of shelter.
Reasonable shelter retained.
Effect on Wildlife
Improves diversity of ground flora
Hedge retained can still flower
but generally worse for wildlife
and fruit and provide nesting for
than laying.
birds.
Dramatic impact on landscape.
Less impact on the landscape
Effect on
Landscape
and has advantage of aesthetic
qualities.
Laying of Hedgerows

Hedgerow laying involves the part cutting through of selected stems, bending them
over at an angle of 70 - 80 degrees and securing the branches and stems to stakes
driven into the hedgerow bank. There are many variations of hedgerow laying. The
113
most suitable and effective method should be chosen. Additional information may be
found at http://www.crann.ie/ and http://www.teagasc.ie/

A downward angled cut is made (with a billhook, axe or chainsaw) approx ¾ through
the stem (experience will tell you how far to go). The stem is then laid over.

The heel or stub is cut off at a sloping angle near the ground to encourage regrowth
from the ground but also to prevent injury to livestock and allow water run-off.

A long, thin tongue or hinge allows the laid stem to be twisted and positioned to best
advantage.

Laid stems are secured to prevent them being damaged by livestock rubbing or
pushing against the hedge and to prevent damage from strong winds. Cut stems are
secured to posts driven into the hedge bank interwoven with suitable rods
(hazel/willow) to give stability.
Coppicing of Hedgerows
Long neglected and overgrown hedges with sufficient vigour may be coppiced (cut back to 10
cm. from ground level). This may be carried out with a chainsaw or circular saw. Gaps should
be filled by in-planting similar species. e.g. blackthorn or holly quicks. New growth that
emerges from ground level must be protected by fencing from livestock and weed competition
until established.
New Hedgerow Establishment
Guidelines for Site preparation

Avoid water logged, shallow and very exposed sites

Ensure the site has sufficient soil

Avoid planting the hedge too close to a wall or fence

Kill off a metre strip of vegetation beforehand by using one of the following methods:

o
Glyphosate preferred option in summer repeat 4 weeks pre planting
o
At least once pre planting
o
Cover with black polythene (1m wide) at least for 6 months
Plough or break up soil in a trench
o
0.6m wide and 0.3m deep
o
using plough or mini digger with 25cm bucket

Add well composted FYM or compound fertiliser

Rotovate soil

Mound planting is recommended where drainage is not ideal.

Form a potato ridge. Deeper rooting depth leads to better drainage.
114
Species selection
Species selection should be considered in the context of the desired function of the
hedgerow. Choose native plants raised from native seed sources. A multi-species hedge will
have more wildlife and aesthetic interest while a stockproof hedgerow will require a
predominance of thorny species. A stockproof hedge should have a minimum of 80% thorny
species.
Select species suitable to the site. A mix of species is more attractive and valuable to wildlife.

Use hawthorn as the dominant species.

Include other suitable species as desired: Choose from native plants e.g. blackthorn,
hazel, holly, spindle, dog rose, crab, guelder rose etc.

Look around you – follow natures example.
Planting
Plant between November and February
Don’t plant in very wet or frosty conditions

Plant density for a stock proof hedgerow should be 8 plants per metre run.

Plant hawthorn in single rows (at c.140mm centres) or double staggered rows (c.400mm
apart and c.375mm between rows).

Plant a multi-species hedge in a single row at suitable plant spacings. Depending on
species selection aim for 4- 6 plants per metre run.
After planting care
Aftercare is essential for the successful establishment of the newly planted hedge!
Trim back spindly top growth of hawthorn to encourage basal growth.
Fence appropriately to exclude all stock and to protect against rabbits and hares.
Grass and weeds must be controlled
Different control methods

Black polythene

Biodegradable mulches e.g. wood chippings

Mechanical/manual control

Herbicides applied according to Measure 6
Replace dead plants at the appropriate time.
115
SPECIES
Pedunculate Oak
Quercus Robur
Sessile Oak
Quercus Petraea
Ash
Fraxinus Excelsior
Wild Cherry
Prunus Avium
Alder
Alnus spp
Birch
Betula spp
Willow
Salis spp
Whitebeam
Sorbus Aria
Rowan
Sorbus Aucuparia
NATIVE BROADLEAF TREES
OPTIMUM SITE
CHARACTERISTICS
Well-aerated deep
Slow growing, long lived
fertile loams. Will do
tree once the climax
well on heavier soils
vegetation over most of
the country
Tolerates less rich and
Oaks will not produce
lighter textured soils
good timber on
than Q. robur
excessively drained or
sandy soils
A very exacting species A fast growing species
demanding good soil
regarded as not being
conditions, preferably
suitable for large scale
sheltered, moist wellplanting
drained fertile loam
soils
Fertile deep wellFast growing, light
drained mineral soils.
demanding, requiring
Preference for slightly
considerable space. The
acid soils but will do
only commercial
well on deep loams
broadleaved tree with
over limestone
attractive blossoms
Common alder is a very Fast growing nitrogen
hardy accommodating
fixing tree. Suitable
species suitable for wet
broadleaf for even the
sites. Good wildlife
wettest sites
species. Grey and
Italian alders will
tolerate and grow well
on drier sites. Italian
alder is has a
preference for more
alkaline sites
Pioneer species suited
Fast growing, hardy
to very acid soils and
species, withstands
peats
exposure and frost well.
Useful as a nurse crop in
mixtures but must be
kept under control or it
will smother a slower
growing tree species
Useful species for wet
Fast growing useful for
sites and streamsides
conservation and
amenity but rarely for
timber production.
Willow can be used in a
variety of ways as a
shelterbelt system
Most fertile mineral
Attractive amenity tree
soils
also suitable for shelter
Suitable for lowland and
hill acidic sites. Will
tolerate even alkaline
sites
Hardy tree suitable for
exposed sites. Widely
used amenity tree
REMARKS
Major forest species. One
of our few native
broadleaved trees. Very
high amenity value
Major forest species.
Native to Ireland. Now
designated as Irish
national tree
Major forest species.
Native tree.
Major forest species.
Native tree. May suffer
from bacterial canker and
aphid attack
Minor forest species.
Common Alder is a native
tree. Coppices freely and
can be used in mixtures on
very infertile sites.
Valuable shelter tree
Minor forest species.
Native tree. Young trees
coppice freely. May be
used as a soil improver.
Can be mixed into
shelterbelts
Minor forest species.
Native tree.
Minor forest species.
Native tree. Tolerant of
exposed and coastal sites
Minor forest species.
Native tree. Offers good
support for wildlife
116
SPECIES
Beech
Fagus Sylvatica
Non Native Broadleaf Trees
OPTIMUM SITE
CHARACTERISTICS
Well drained, loamy,
Tolerant of shade when
fertile soils with a
young. Creates dense
preference for soils
shade and suppresses
derived mainly from
ground vegetation as it
limestone
reaches maturity
Sycamore
Acer
Pseudoplatanus
Prefers a moderately
fertile free draining soil.
Tolerant of calcareous
soils
Fast growing tree that
seeds easily. Withstands
exposure and smoke
pollution very well
Poplars
Populus
Hybrid clones
Very exacting species
requiring deep, well
drained moderately
fertile sites
Red Oak
Quercus Rubra
Grows well on poor
sandy soils
Very fast growing, light
demanding tree. Some
species susceptible to
bacterial canker, select
disease resistant clones
only
A fast growing tree, less
suited to heavy soils
Horse Chestnut
Aesculus
Hippocastanum
Thrives on all except
waterlogged sites but
has a preference for
fertile soils
Deep, well drained,
loam textured,
moderately fertile soil.
Suitable for well
sheltered sites with a
southerly aspect
An excellent amenity
tree used mainly for
avenues or as a
specimen tree
J. nigra grows somewhat
faster than J. regia but
timber may not be as
highly figured. Worth
pruning to give a clean
stem
Lime
Tilia spp
Grows on a wide range
of sites, but prefers
moist fertile limestone
soils
Norway Maple
Acer Platanoides
Prefers a deep, moist,
alkaline soil. Tolerates
less fertile and drier
sites than sycamore.
Avoid exposed sites
and frost hollows
Relatively fast growing.
Suitable for planting as
an amenity tree. Attracts
swarms of aphids in
summertime causing
sticky “honeydew” to
cover foliage that drips
off to ground vegetation
Fast growing tree when
young. An attractive
amenity tree. Greenish
yellow flower makes a
beautiful sight in early
spring. Brilliant red,
green and gold coloured
leaves in the autumn
Walnut
Juglans spp
REMARKS
Major forest species. Nonnative tree. Benefits from a
nurse on exposed sites.
Useful for under-planting.
Grey squirrels can be very
destructive particularly to
young beech
Major forest species. Nonnative tree. Grey squirrels
can be very harmful. A
windfirm tree. Rich in
wildlife value. Valuable for
shelter
Potentially major forest
species. Non-native tree.
Offers great prospects as
Short Rotation Forestry
species for pulpwood,
paper and particle board
Minor forest species. Nonnative tree. High amenity
because of its red and
russet colours in the
autumn
Minor forest species. Nonnative tree
Potentially major forest
species. Non-native tree.
Abnormal growths called
“burr walnut” are much
sought after for veneer, an
example of diseased or
malformed wood being
more valuable than healthy
timber
Minor forest species. Nonnative tree. Tree flowers
are strongly scented and a
great attraction for many
insects and a rich source
of nectar for bees
Minor forest species. Nonnative tree. Grey squirrel
can be very damaging
117
SPECIES
Scots Pine
Pinus Sylvestris
Species
Whitethorn (Hawthorn)
Crataegus monogyna.
Blackthorn or Sloe
Prunus spinosa.
Hazel
Corylus avellana
Holly
Ilex aquifolium.
Gorse ( Furze or Whin )
Ulex europaeus
Willow
Salix species.
Crab Apple
Malus pumila.
Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Native Conifer
OPTIMUM SITE
CHARACTERISTICS
Thrives on light
A strong, light
textured or sandy soils.
demanding slow
Tolerant of acid
growing tree. Can be
conditions. Avoid poorly used as a nurse
drained or alkaline soils species. Unsuitable for
and exposure to coastal high elevations or
winds
shelter-belting
Native Hedgerow Species
Characteristics
Ubiquitous native hedge plant tough,
hardy and fast growing. Withstands
hard cutting and laying. Displays
great variation in flower hue at
blossom time. An important source
of pollen and nectar for
invertabrates ; major bee forage
plant.
Quickgrowing shrub, forming an
impenetrable stockproof barrier
when well established. Throws out
root suckers requiring regular
management. Excellent plant for
gapping hedgerows. Stands up well
to cutting. Can be propagated from
rooted suckers. Tends to become
bare at the base.
Hazel is very suitable to coppice and
lay. It has high amenity and wildlife
value: an important early source of
pollen for bees The coppiced stems
have many uses.
Slow growing evergreen with high
amenity value. Forming a tough
stockproof barrier. Good plant for
gapping . Susceptible to frost
damage.
Abundant in drier parts of Ireland.
Does not form a good stockproof
barrier on its own. Should be cut
back hard when it gets leggy and
thin at the base. Gorse should not
be laid but trimmed in late Winter.
Willow is a native tree, the many
speces hybridise readily. The tree is
fast growing, producing heavy wood.
The plant lends itself to laying.
Willows make poor stockproof
hedges yet have high wildlife and
amenity value. The male flowers,
catkins, are an early source of pollen
for bees.
A good hedge can be made with
crab, it is less impenetrable than
Hawthorn or Blackthorn. Should be
mixed with other species. Provides
good wildlife habitat and has high
amenity value.
Beech does not make a good stock
proof barrier but provides excellent
shelter. As a hedge it retains its
withered leaves throughout the
winter. Will keep a narrow base
whatever height it is allowed to grow
to.
REMARKS
Major forest species.
Once native but died
out, now comes from
imported sources.
Regarded as the best
conifer for both amenity
and wildlife. Attracts
insects, birds and red
squirrels
Sites
Tolerant of most soils except where
very wet. Does not thrive at high
elevations. Susceptible to Fire Blight
disease; should not be planted near
tree\shrub nurseries or commercial
orchards.
Blackthorn does well on heavy and
sandy soils. Salt tolerant, suitable for
coastal and exposed situations.
Hazel does well on loams and mildly
acid soils. Not tolerant of wet
situations. Good choice for
freedraining limestone soils.
Holly will grow on clay soils, sands
and gravel. Very tolerant of shade.
Will not grow on wet sites. Both
male and female plants are required
to produce berries.
Gorse does well on poor light soils.
Will grow on very dry and exposed
sites where other species cannot
thrive. It is salt tolerant and suitable
for coastal and exposed sites.
Useful for wet sites where species
choice is limited. Will tolerate
flooding. Can be propagated from
hardwood cuttings.
Suited to free draining fertile soils,
will not thrive in heavy cold clays.
Crab apple occurs intermittently in
hedgerows and where present
should be retained and allowed
develop to maturity.
Beech will grow on any dry site
especially on limestone soils,
tolerant of exposed coastal
conditions. Casts dense shade,
allowing little to grow under its
canopy. Not a good hedgerow
species if allowed to develop.
118
NATIVE HEDGEROW SPECIES contd
Species
Elm.
Ulmus species.
in particular Ulmus glabra.
Dog Rose.
Rosa species.
Briars, Blackberry.
Rubus species.
Guelder Rose
Viburnum opulus
Elder
Sambucus nigra.
Woodbine, Honeysuckle.
Lonicera periclymenum.
Clematis. Travellers Joy,
Clematis vitalba.
Spindle-tree, Pegwood,
Euonymus europaeus.
Characteristics
Wych Elm ( Ulmus glabra. ) is a rare native now only encountered
in mountain glens in the North West. English elm ( Ulmus procera)
was reintroduced in Norman times. Elm never attained the
importance in hedgerows here as in England. It was originally
planted as an ornamental parkland tree. Despite the ravages of
Dutch Elm Disease, it is often encountered in hedgerows as suckers
that may eventually succumb to the disease. Where present, it
should be retained.
Dog Rose and other related rose species are a common constituent
of hedgerows scrambling through trees and shrubs. Their blossoms
and fruit (hips) have high amenity value and are an important source
of food for wildlife. Where present they should be retained..
Briars often provide extra stockproofing in a hedge. The flowers and
fruit provide a wide range of food for wildlife. Blackberry is an
important bee plant in Ireland. Briars left unchecked will encroach
out into fields by means of tip rooting and should be controlled.
Handsome hedgerow shrub with high amenity value. Large vigorous
shrub with lobed maple like leaves which colour richly in Autumn.
The white flowers produced in June and July are followed by
crimson fruits which are eaten by birds.
A ragged, gnarled, small tree common in hedgerows with greyish
corky bark and branches containing a soft pith. The white flowers
are followed by bunches of purplish fruits. Flower and fruit provide
food for a wide rang of wildlife species.
Woodbine is a climbing shrub scrambling through hedgerow trees
and shrubs. It has high amenity value. The fragrant flowers provide
nectar and pollen for insects and are followed by crimson berries
readily eaten by birds.
A climbing shrub often completely covering hedges and bushes. It
climbs by twisting it’s leaf stalks around other plants. The small
insignificant greenish cream flowers attract bees and flies. The
masses of feathery fruits so conspicuous in Autumn and Winter give
this plant the colloquial name “Old Man’s Beard”. A shrub that
thrives in limey soils. Beautiful shrub of the Autumn hedgerow
particularly eye-catching after overnight frost.
Vigorous green stemmed hedgerow shrub occasionally a small tree.
The wood is very hard and was used in former times to produce
wooden skewers and clothes pegs. The small greenish flowers are
followed by eye catching scarlet 4- lobed seed capsules: Spindle or
Peg wood is a strikingly beautiful shrub in winter.
NON-NATIVE HEDGEROW SPECIES
Species
Privet.
Lingustrum vulgare
Sea Buckthorn
Hippophae rhamnoides
Snowberry
Symphoricarpus rivularis.
Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea
Characteristics
Medium sized bushy shrub, partially evergreen, closely related to the
hedging species, Ling strum oval folium, a Japanese import.
Flowers white, heavily scented followed by small black berries.
Shrub of coastal areas. Will succeed in almost any soil. A dense
bushy shrub 1-1.5 m high: branches armed with stout spines. Small
green flowers followed on female plants by attractive orange-yellow
berries, which are normally avoided by birds. Excellent shrub for
maritime exposure.
A twiggy shrub with small pinkish flowers followed by white globular
fruits. Spreads freely by root suckers. The white globular fruits are
very striking in the Winter hedgerow.
The straight red stems of this shrub are very conspicuous in
hedgerows in Winter. It grows to six foot, has dark - green untoothed
opposite arranged leaves that turn dark red in Autumn. The hawthorn
scented white flowers are followed by black fruits. Dogwood is
common in limey soils and roots readily from hardwood cuttings
stuck in Autumn.
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Ivy . Hedera helix.
Ivy is a native evergreen plant with high wildlife value: it provides habitat for insects and nesting sites for
birds. It flowers late in the Autumn and is the last important nectar and pollen plant available to insects.
The black fruits which ripen in spring are eaten by birds and small mammals, in particular by pine
martins. Ivy is not a parasitic plant: the small rootlets put out by the climbing shoots help the plant to
adhere to it’s support: they have no penetrative powers. In trees, ivy clings to it’s host, it does not feed
on it, and while the tree is in good health the ivy will be a secondary plant and although ascending the
trunk and branches can do no harm. Should the tree decline for any reason and fail to leaf the ivy will
take over as is often seen on elm that has succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease. To some ivy clad trees
are unsightly and where deemed necessary the ivy should be managed. Ivy could be allowed to develop
on some trees within a hedgerow but controlled on others or allowed to grow unchecked for many years
and controlled when the growth becomes too heavy. On sound walls ivy is harmless and in fact
beneficial, keeping them dry in winter and cool in summer. Walls that are very weak can be pulled down
if a weight of ivy has bushed out at the top of the wall and then becomes heavy with snow or rain and
susceptible to the pull of strong winds. Clipping obviates this possibility and the life of many walls could
be prolonged by a well managed ivy cover. Ivy covered walls should be clipped over in late Spring.
Wherever possible ivy should be retained and allowed to develop. If required ivy can be removed from
trees and walls by cutting the stem just above ground level and making a second cut at least 10 cm.
above the first cut. The resultant detached section of stem should be removed.
Climbing plants suitable to screen a building or wall
Self clinging plants.
Ivy: Hedera species. Green leafed varieties should be chosen. Ivy is a shade loving plant
should not be grown on a South facing wall.
Climbing Hydrangea: Hydrangea petiolaris. vigorous, climbs by aerial roots. decidious.
Virginia Creeper: Parthenocisus tricuspidata. vigorous, decidious.
Climbers Requiring Support
Honeysuckle: Lonicera periclymenum, needs support to climb.
Russian vine: Polygonum baldschuanicum. Very vigorus rampant, twinning plant, needs
support to climb.
Coppicing:
Only broadleaf tree species are suitable; in general conifers do not regenerate from cut stumps.
Tree species which will regenerate when coppiced.
Hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna), Birch (Betula pendula), Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Willow ( Salix
alba), Poplar ( Populus nigra), Beech ( Fagus sylvatica), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Sycamore (Acer
pseudoplatanus), Oak (Quercus spp.). Hazel (Corylus avellana), Sweet Chestnut ( Castanea
sativa), Holly (Ilex aquifolium) will all regenerate when coppiced.
Tree species suitable for screening farmbuildings etc.
Select a species mix from the following:
Deciduous Species: Birch, (Betula spp.), Holly, (Ilex spp.), Whitethorn (Crataegus spp.), Alder
(Alnus spp.), Oak (Quercus spp.), Ash (Fraxinus spp.), Wild Cherry (Prunus avium,) Mountain Ash,
(Sorbus aucuparia), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Field Maple (Acer
campestre), Norway Maple, (Acer platanoides). Lime (Tilia spp.)
Conifers: Larch (Larix spp.), Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Corsican Pine (Pinus nigra var.
maritima). Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata). Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) Western
Red Cedar (Thuja plicata). Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Macrocarpa (Cupressus
macrocarpa), Korean Fir (Abies koreana).
Tree and Shrub species suitable for coastal exposed sites.
Trees:
Conifers:
120
Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), Lodgepole Pine ( Pinus contorta), Corsican Pine (Pinus nigra var.
maritima), , Maritime Pine ( Pinus pinaster), Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata )
Broadleaf trees: Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo), Willow (Salix
species). Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Holm Oak (Quercus ilex). White poplar ( Populus alba). Elder
(Sambucus nigra).
Shrubs:
Escallonia in species and variety, Burnet Roses (Rosa pimpinellifolia), Rugosa roses, Hypericum
calycinum, Griselinia littoralis, Phormium tenax, Tamarix, Viburnum tinus, Ulex europeaus,
Eleagnus, Euonymus, Fuchsia magellinica, Senecio greyii, Pittosporum, Hebe, Olearia
species in particular O. traversii, O. albida, O. macrodanta. Hipophae rhamnoides, Lupinus
arboreus, Atriplex halimus.
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APPENDIX 8
COMMONAGE ISSUES
Calculation of De-Stocking on Measure A Commonage Areas
Step 1
If stock reductions specified in Framework Plan is 10% or less, then planner discretion is
allowed when determining level of destocking required.
Step 2
Convert all grazing livestock14 on the farm in 2001 to ewe equivalents (EE) using the following
conversion factors
1 ewe
1 ewe equivalent
1 cow
6.7 ewe equivalents
1 0-1 yr old bovine
2 ewe equivalents
1 1-2 yr old bovine
4 ewe equivalents
1 >2 yr old bovine
6.7 ewe equivalents
All other grazing animals
6.7 ewe equivalents
(Alternatively convert bovine LU’s to EE: 1LU = 6.7EE or the average bovine LU on the farm
in 2001 x 6.7)
Step 3
Calculate the total forage area on the farm in 2001
Step 4
Calculate the stocking density in ewe equivalents ha-1 (EE ha-1) as follows:
Total step 2  Total step 3
Step 5
Establish the percent destocking for each commonage on the holding by reference to the
Framework Plan (FP).
Step 6
Apply these reductions to their respective commonages noting that the polluter pays principle
(PPP) also applies when both the stocking density is greater than 5 EE ha -1 and the percent
destocking recommended is greater than 20%.
14
Including any frozen quota rights in 2001.
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Step 7
Calculate the ewe equivalents permitted.
Ewe numbers in 2001 (from step 2) minus the total ewe reductions (from step 6)
To allow for ewe losses over the winter any farmer with a commonage area greater than 200
ha can keep up to 10 % additional ewes and for smaller commonages, up to 5% additional
ewes.
Alternative Methodology – Cattle not grazing Commonage
On mixed cattle and sheep farms, if the farmer agrees that at no time will cattle be on the
commonage, the stocking density is calculated by dividing the ewe numbers in 2001
(including frozen ewe quota) by the commonage area farmed in 2001.
Following this, Steps 5 – 7 as above apply.
Example
Establish ewe equivalent as follows:
- Ewe numbers in 2001 (including any frozen quota)
- Cattle Livestock Units in 2001, 20 X 6.7 (based on CMMS Records)
- Other Grazing Livestock, Livestock Units X 6.7
TOTAL
Ewe Equivalents
150
134
0
(A)
284
Establish Forage Area Farmed in 2001
- 15 ha of non-commonage lands
Area (ha)
15
- 35 ha owned commonage of which
13 ha in Commonage 1
12 ha in Commonage 2
10 ha in Commonage 3
- 5 ha rented/leased commonage
13
12
10
5
TOTAL
(B)
55
i.
Stocking density Ewe equivalents per ha
A from Step 1 = 284 = 5.16 ( C )
B from Step 2
55
ii.
Alternative option for stocking density (cattle not grazing commonage)
Ewe numbers from step 1
=
150
= 3.75 ( C )
Commonage from step 2
40
Since i is greater than ii the option of keeping the cattle on the enclosed land would seem the
best provided the enclosed land had the capacity to carry all the cattle.
The PPP will apply if (c) is greater than 5.0 and destocking percentage is 20% or greater
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Establish stock reductions for each commonage
Reduction
- Stock Reductions specified in Commonage 1
- Stock Reductions specified in Commonage 2
- Stock Reductions specified in Commonage 3
- Stock Reductions specified in rented commonage
40%
15%
5%
12%
Calculate Reductions in Ewes as follows:
Reductions due to prescription in Commonage 1
Reductions due to prescription in Commonage 2
Reductions due to prescription in Commonage 3
Reductions due to prescription in rented commonage
Calculations
13 X 3.75 X 40%
12 X 3.75 X 15%
10 X 3.75 X 0%
5 X 3.75 X 12%
=
=
=
=
Total Reduction in ewes required
Total Ewe Numbers allowed
Wintering of Bovines/Horses on Commonage
Where a FP states that no outwintering is allowed, a derogation to allow the outwintering of
bovines/horses on commonage may be requested from the local Regional Inspector where

20% or less of the management unit area has a damage rating of MS/S or S*
and where

30% or less of the management unit area has a damage rating of MM
In drawing up the derogation request the planner in conjunction with the farmer

Must maximise the use of enclosed land for outwintering before any
consideration can be given to outwintering on the commonage

Must set an environmentally sustainable level for the out wintering of bovines on
commonage using the following criteria

In undamaged commonages
1LU/1.5 ha on dry grassland
1LU/5 ha on other sites (heaths, Blanket
bogs or combinations)

In damaged sites, the maximum outwintering stocking rates are as follows;
Management unit destocking
Dry Grassland Stocking rate
Other sites
to apply
Stocking rate to apply
0%
1LU/1.5 Ha
1LU/5 Ha
0%-10%
1LU/1.65 Ha
1 LU/5.5 Ha
10.01-20%
1LU/1.8 Ha
1LU/6.0 Ha
20.01-30%
1LU/1.95 Ha
1LU/6.5 Ha
30.01-40%
1 LU/2.1 Ha
1LU/7.0 Ha
>40%
No outwintering
No outwintering

Must set out the bovine numbers based on the farmers individual share of
commonage wishing to avail of this facility
19.5
6.75
0
2.25
29
121
124

Must give due consideration to areas of the commonage highlighted as severely
overgrazed e.g. avoid supplementary feeding in such areas i.e. where subunits of
moderate to severe damage appear on the map in the shareholders owned area
of
the
CP
indicating
local
black
spots;
the
plan
must
show
that
outwintering/supplementary feeding of cattle/horses will not prevent recovery of
these areas.
Suckler quota
In situations where suckler quota was leased out during the 2001 reference year; a
derogation application must be submitted to the Regional Inspector requesting permission for
the full quota to be incorporated into the stocking density calculation.
LPIS areas versus Framework plan areas
Where a framework plan consists of a number of different LPIS numbers, the Gross LPIS
areas should be summed together and all the LPIS numbers listed.
LPIS areas declared must be the applicant’s gross share of the LPIS commonage area in the
relevant townland. The deductions include deductions as per the framework plan plus
deductions for any public roads, lakes and commercial forestry (applicants share only).
Increase in the Area of enclosed Privately Owned Land on holdings subject to
Commonage Framework Plans.
Additional privately owned enclosed land is defined as land acquired by way of inheritance,
letter of consent from a family member, purchased, or leased for a minimum period of five
years which is eligible for payment under REPS.
Enclosed lands taken on conacre, rental agreements, short-term leases under five years
duration, do not fall within the definition of additional land.
NB - where framework plans are being incorporated in to REPS plans, stocking density
calculations must be based on the 2001 Area Aid and stock numbers (2001 ewe quota and
CMMS figures for bovines). Therefore if a farmers stocking density is higher now than in 2001
due to higher stock numbers s/he must reduce stock numbers back to 2001 levels in addition
to reducing ewe numbers according to the framework plan figures.
Where a farmer acquires additional private land additional stock may be allowed on the
following basis:
Sheep Only Farmers
Allocation per additional hectare may not exceed stocking density per hectare on the original
holding before destocking.
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Example: An existing holding of 20ha private land and 20ha commonage with a quota of 80
ewes has a stocking density of 2 ewes/ha (based on 2001 details). For every additional
hectare of privately owned land acquired an additional 2 ewe equivalents may be permitted.
Mixed Sheep and Cattle Farmers
Where both cattle and sheep graze the entire forage area of the farm the additional private
land area may be stocked to the same stocking density as the original holding.
Example: An existing holding of 20ha private land and 20ha commonage with 10 bovine
livestock units (67 ewe equivalents) and 13 ewes has a stocking density of 2 ewe
equivalents/ha (based on 2001 details). For every additional hectare of privately owned land
acquired an additional 2 ewe equivalents may be permitted.
Where an undertaking is given in writing that cattle will never be grazed on the commonage
land the additional private land may be stocked with cattle up to the sustainable carrying
capacity of the land i.e up to the organic nitrogen limit for REPS purposes. Where this option
is availed of an increase in ewe numbers is not permitted.
In all cases where additional ewe numbers are planned for, the planner must ensure in
preparing the REPS plan that the grazing pressure on the commonage area of the
holding is not increased.
Increase in the Area of commonage land/grazing rights on holdings subject to
Commonage Framework Plans.
Additional commonage shares or grazing rights acquired which are eligible for REPS payment
may be considered for grazing potential on the farm. Each such case will be examined by the
Department of Agriculture and Food on an individual basis and the recommendations of the
relevant commonage framework plans will be taken into consideration. Additional
commonage shares or grazing rights acquired (which are eligible for REPS payment) with
evidence of historical quota rights must be incorporated in to the 2001 stocking density
calculations.
Example: Original holding of 20ha private land and 20ha commonage with a quota of 80 ewes has a
stocking density of 2 ewes/ha (based on 2001 details). Commonage land of 10 ha inherited along with
30 ewe quota rights. Therefore new stocking density is calculated as follows;
Ewe quota
80
+
30
=
110
Land area
40
+
10
=
50
Stocking density is 110/50 =
2.2 ewes/ha
Any destocking necessary is now based on this stocking density
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Farmers reverting to a sheep only enterprise from a mixed stocking enterprise
Where a farmer chooses not to keep cattle for the duration of the REPS plan, stocking density
for the whole farm must be recalculated based on ewe quota and Area Aid details for 2001.
Ewe numbers cannot be increased to offset any reduction in cattle numbers.
Example: An existing holding of 20ha private land and 20ha commonage with 29.86 bovine
livestock units (200 ewe equivalents) and 200 ewes has a stocking density of 10 ewe
equivalents/ha (as declared in 2001).
The recommended destocking figure for the
commonage is 50%.
Based on these figures the farmer would have to destock as follows:
20 x5 x50% =
20 x 5
=
50 ewes
100 ewes
150 ewes
If this farmer wishes to revert to a sheep only enterprise and not keep cattle, the stocking
density is as follows;
200 ewes  40 ha = 5 ewes/hectare. Therefore, destocking is as follows:
20 x 5 x 50% = 50 ewes
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Conservation of the Burren
Conditions For The Conservation Of The Burren To Be Applied Under The
Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS)
The conditions applicable to Supplementary Measure A apply; the guidelines set out below
are complementary to these conditions.
Conditions For The Conservation Of The High Burren.
No environmentally damaging activity is permitted. In particular the following conditions apply:
WINTERAGE AREAS
Grazing is prohibited in areas identified as winterage on the REPS map from May to
September inclusive.
Summer grazing of all winterages is permitted for a total of one week in the months of June or
July, depending on weather conditions. The farmer must inform the Department of Agriculture
and Food in writing each year in advance of the week selected.
STOCKING DENSITY
Sustainable optimum stocking levels should be set down by the REPS planner following
careful assessment of the environmental conservation needs of the farm. Where the stock
levels set by the planner require a reduction in stock numbers this must be achieved within
one year of the commencement of the plan. Where there is a need for stock increases this
can be achieved as determined by the planner. Sheep must not be introduced to new areas.
SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING
Supplementary feeding is permitted only on lands where it is currently practised. The number
of cattle being fed cannot be increased nor can the total amount of feed used be increased.
The amount of feed should not, in any event, exceed 1.25 tons of silage (or the equivalent in
other feed) per livestock unit (LU) or 50% of the feed requirement of the animal for the feeding
period. In normal years, supplementary feeding to livestock will be confined to a 9 week
period between January 15th and April 12th with the period to be chosen by the farmer and
notified to the local office of the Department of Agriculture and Food. In the case of calves
meal may be fed from weaning time.
In unusually severe winters, feeding can be permitted outside of this period with the prior
agreement of the Department of Agriculture and Food after consultation with the National
Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). All supplementary feed must be provided either in round
feeders, hay racks or mobile feeders which must be located at "feeding points" described and
specified in the farm plan. Locations should not be on bare pavement, but should be on
128
areas of deeper soil preferably those which already have a low plant species diversity.
Locations should be chosen to reduce the possibility of ground water pollution or changes in
the flora, to minimise visual impact and also comply with the requirements of Measure 2.
FARM IMPROVEMENT WORKS
No land improvement works, infilling or rock removal are permitted unless with the prior
approval of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. However, the control of scrub by chain
saw or other brush cutting tools is permitted.
USE OF FERTILISERS AND HERBICIDES
Neither organic nor inorganic fertilisers may be applied. All spraying or broadcast application
of herbicides should be avoided, but spot application and wipe-on treatments to eradicate
docks, thistles, ragwort and similar noxious weeds can be used. Farmyard manure must not
be stored in fields for composting and any accumulation of such manure at feeding points
must be removed at the end of the feeding season.
GROUNDWATER POLLUTION
The greatest care should be taken on the high Burren to observe the national regulations on
agricultural pollution. The hydrology of the Burren is such that pollutants run into local lakes
very quickly. Planners should identify suitable feed storage areas so that the groundwater is
protected.
Conditions For The Conservation Of Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) In The
Burren Foothills
Relatively intensive farming practices in these areas require careful management to avoid
nutrient pollution of the internationally important wetlands of the region.
It is particularly
important that phosphate leaching from these areas to the wetlands be kept to an absolute
minimum. REPS plans must be drawn up to meet these requirements.
They must also meet the following specific requirements:
SOIL SAMPLING
Where fertilisers are being applied the initial soil sampling areas should be relatively intensive
with at least one sample per 2-4 ha.
PHOSPHATE RESTRICTIONS
Soil phosphate levels must not be increased above the Index 2 level set in the Department’s
REPS agri-environmental specification. Where they are already above that level no chemical
phosphates can be applied. In any event existing phosphate levels may not be increased.
129
NITROGEN AND POTASSIUM RESTRICTIONS
Nitrogen and Potassium should only be applied at rates that can be effectively used in
conjunction with the Phosphorus levels prevailing in the soil.
SLURRY AND WASTE SPREADING
Slurry and waste spreading is acceptable as long as the quantity spread does not exceed 25
cubic metres per hectare per application and does not occur within 50m of lakes or winter
flooded areas. It should be spread only after grass growth has started. All slurry produced on
the farm must be spread by August 31st.
FARMYARD MANURE
Where possible it should be recycled to the area from which hay or silage was obtained.
Farmyard manure must not be stored in fields for composting and any accumulation of such
manure at feeding points must be removed at the end of the feeding season. No agreements
should be made to landspread manure produced on other farms.
WATERCOURSE PROTECTION
Extreme care should be taken to ensure that neither fertilizer nor silage effluent enters
streams and watercourses.
Monitoring the Effects of REPS in the Burren
It is essential to research and monitor the environmental impact of REPS in the Burren region
by comparing the effects of practices on REPS farms with practices on other farms under the
following headings:

Environmental effects,

Agricultural effects, in terms of inputs and outputs, and

Socio-economic effects
Arising from the results of these studies it may be appropriate to modify the "Conditions for
the Conservation of the Burren" to be applied under the Rural Environment Protection
Scheme (REPS).
130
Conditions For The Conservation Of Blanket Bogs, Heaths And Upland Grasslands
Proposed Or Designated As NHAs Under The Rural Environment Protection Scheme
General Provisions
These conditions for specific habitat types are supplementary to the agri-environmental plan
requirements of the general REPS programmes . The conditions for the target areas under
Supplementary Measure A apply. Planners may seek a derogation from the Regional
Inspector to vary these conditions in individual cases. All REPS plans in respect of NHAs
must be approved and signed by the Planning Agency’s environmentalist/ecologist.
Detailed Conditions
The conditions applicable to Supplementary Measure A apply; the guidelines set out below
are complementary to these conditions.
Stocking Density
In all cases an environmentally sustainable plan must be prepared and adhered to for the
total area of the farm. Sustainable optimum stocking rates must be set down by the REPS
planner following careful assessment of the environmental conservation needs of the lands.
Where the stocking levels set down by the planner require a reduction in stock this must be
achieved within one year of the commencement of the plan.
There can be no increase in stocking levels, no introduction of stock to new areas and no
changes in stock type during the period of the REPS plan without the prior approval of the
Department of Agriculture and Food.
The maximum number of sheep that may be kept on the farm as a whole must be set down in
the REPS plan.
The conditions set out for Supplementary Measure A areas must be
followed. The following parameters apply:

Where there is no damage the current stocking levels are acceptable.

If the level of damage is moderate a stocking reduction must be prescribed by the
planner at a level related to the damage and sufficient for the vegetation to recover.

If the level of damage is severe, a stocking reduction of between 70% and 100% of
ewe numbers on the damaged area must be prescribed for a specified period.

At the review of the REPS plan, the conservation status of the areas will be reviewed.
A change in the stocking levels (increase or decrease) may be appropriate depending
on progress.
Stocking levels apply to Scottish Blackface sheep or similar medium sized sheep breeds.
Stocking levels for cattle or other stock should be at livestock unit applicable rates taking
account of Department of Agriculture and Food conversion rates for the various stock types.
The stocking levels recommended in this document are maximum sustainable rates for year
131
round grazing.
If shorter periods of grazing are used the number of animals may be
increased, though not necessarily pro rata.
Supplementary Feeding
Supplementary feeding is permitted only on areas where it is currently practised. Locations of
feeding points must be specified. To reduce heavy grazing, trampling, poaching and erosion
problems, “feeding points” should be moved every 3 weeks and sited on ground with least
habitat and wildlife value, preferably on grassland well away from stands of heather. Feeding
on steep slopes and on peaty soils should be avoided where possible. The total amount of
feed used must not be increased.
Use Of Fertilisers And Herbicides
Neither organic nor inorganic fertilisers or lime can be applied on bogs, heaths or upland
grasslands where they have not been used before. Fertilisers must not be used as a means
of regenerating eroded areas. In the case of upland grasslands fertilisers can only be applied
on the basis of the results of a soil test. Where fertilisers are being applied, the initial soil
sampling should be relatively intensive with at least one sample per 2-4 ha. Target soil
phosphate levels must not exceed the Index 2 level set out in this specification
Spraying or broadcast application of herbicides must be avoided. Spot application and wipeon treatments to eradicate docks, thistles, ragwort and similar noxious weeds may be used.
Rhododendron may be removed by cutting and herbicide treatment. Bracken control may be
by rolling, cutting and/or by controlled cattle trampling in early summer. In exceptional
circumstances control of bracken by herbicides may be permitted.
Water Pollution
The greatest care should be taken to observe the statutory requirements on water pollution.
The hydrology of bogland areas is characterised by extremely nutrient poor surface waters
which contain flora and fauna adapted to these conditions. These species would be adversely
affected by nutrient enrichment. New sheep dip sites must be listed and located away from
streams and flushes to reduce the possibility of water pollution and damage to flora and
fauna.
Restricted And Prohibited Practices
The following practices must not be carried out on Blanket Bogs, Heaths or Upland
Grasslands:

The areas must not be drained, ploughed, cultivated or reseeded.

There must be no infilling or rock removal.

Turf cutting on unexploited bogs is not permitted. Turf cutting for domestic use is
permitted on existing banks.

Planting of trees or other crops is not permitted.

No new tracks or paths can be created.

Burning is only allowed as a planned management practice.

Gorse may be controlled by cutting, spot spraying or exceptionally by burning outside
of the bird nesting season (March 1st. to August 31st).
132
Complementary Action
Measures To Prevent Damage By Non REPS Participants
The Department should take measures to ensure that the environmental benefits achieved in
degraded areas under REPS are not negated or diminished by non-participants in the
Scheme.
Evaluation and Monitoring
Monitoring and evaluating the effects of REPS on blanket bogs, heaths and upland and
unimproved grassland is essential in determining the environmental impact of REPS on these
habitats so that appropriate modifications can be identified and effected where necessary.
The effect of the grazing regime on the vegetation and wildlife should be monitored to assess
recovery as well as any damage being caused by animals. To this end the Department of
Agriculture and Food and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of
Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in consultation with Teagasc and private
planners, will monitor the environmental impact of REPS on these habitats on an ongoing
basis. Progress in this regard will be reported to the Consultative Committee on REPS.
Farmer Education / Advice
A REPS promotional campaign will be undertaken as soon as is practicable to inform farmers
of the conservation needs of these areas and of the provisions of REPS. This campaign will
be undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food. Farming and environmental
organisations will also be invited to assist in this promotional campaign.
Seminars for Planners
Seminars for REPS Planners shall be held to advise on the interpretation of these conditions
at ground level.
Demonstration Farms
A number of REPS participant demonstration farms will be set up in selected areas.
Research work could also be carried out at these farms to assess the ability / rate of recovery
of an area under different stocking conditions.
Quota Rights
Any REPS participant farmer is guaranteed that their quota rights are protected and in the
event of a possibility of increasing numbers arising such farmers would be allowed to do so,
subject to the environmental condition of the participant farm.
Scheme Extension
The application of REPS in the target areas will apply for periods of five years renewable for
15 years.
Local Co-ordination
The Department of Agriculture and Food will encourage co-ordination, at local level, of efforts
to rejuvenate damaged areas.
133
Farming Conditions for Sand Dune and Machair Areas
General Provisions
The conditions set out in this document are supplementary to the farming conditions for the
general REP Scheme for REPS. The conditions for the target areas under Supplementary
Measure A apply. Planners may seek derogation from the Regional Inspector to vary these
conditions in individual cases. All REPS plans in respect of NHAs must be approved and
signed by the Planning Agency’s environmentalist/ecologist.
Detailed Conditions, Sand Dunes and Machairs
The conditions applicable to Supplementary Measure A apply; the guidelines set out below
are complementary to these conditions.
Description
Sand Dunes and Machairs are coastal habitats consisting of hills and hollows in which unique
communities of plants and animals are found in response to the very demanding nature of the
dry, windy and salty environment.
Machairs are flat, level plains over lime - rich sands which have evolved in response to a
unique interaction between wind, high rainfall and historical land use. They are found only in
western Ireland and Scotland.
Farming Conditions Recommended For These Areas
The primary recommendation is to avoid farming practices that cause environmental damage
and all the following recommendations are designed to meet that objective. If a practice is
environmentally damaging it must be stopped or modified, but the following are general
guidelines and may be superseded by specific recommendations for individual farms. The
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Environment, Heritage and
Local Government or the local Agriculture, Environment and Structures (AES) Division office
of the Department of Agriculture and Food should be contacted if the situation on-farm
warrants an exception to the general rules.
Grazing Regime
The conditions for Supplementary Measure A areas apply. It should be noted that on sand
dunes and machairs, the objective is to maintain extensive agricultural practices, and to
prevent a further increase in stock numbers. Cattle stock must be kept at the level the land
can support - see also the section on Supplementary Feeding.
Cattle grazing should continue in line with traditional practices. The land should normally be
grazed only in winter. However, in areas where Summer grazing has traditionally (i.e. over
the previous 10 years) been practised, this can continue, provided, of course, that stock levels
at all times do not exceed what the land can bear on a sustainable basis. Grazing on young
and fore-dune areas should be avoided.
134
Where conditions warrant, grazing levels must not exceed 1 Livestock Unit (LU) per hectare
on a year round average and must never exceed 2 LU at any one time. This change would
enable 2 LUs to be overwintered on the sand dune/machair provided it is deemed to be
sustainable by the planner.
The introduction of sheep into areas where they have not been traditionally grazed should be
avoided, but areas which have kept sheep traditionally can retain them, though perhaps at a
lower level.
Sustainable Stocking Levels
In general the provisions of Supplementary Measure A apply. Stocking levels for each farm
should be set by the REPS planner or the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local
Government (NPWS) planner in the farm plan. The levels should be set below the level
which causes eutrophication, overgrazing, or erosion, but still high enough to control the
encroachment of coarse vegetation and scrub. Where the stock level set by the planner
requires a reduction, this must be achieved within 12 months of the start of the plan. Where
the stock level is to increase, this can be spread over the period of the plan, as specified by
the planner. The same level will apply for a REPS plan as for an NPWS plan.
The NPWS will prepare a conservation plan for each area to cover all aspects of the SAC in
question, including farming. In so far as the farming aspects are concerned, the plan will be
prepared in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Food in accordance with the
terms of these conditions. Where an area conservation plan has been prepared for the SAC
in question, this should be used to assist in determining where damage has occurred or is
occurring, where damage is moderate, and where damage has not occurred. Official
conservation plans, when available, can be obtained from the local office of the NPWS.
Supplementary Feeding
The introduction of supplementary feeding can bring additional nutrients into sand dune and
machair areas, and thus bring about a very fundamental change in the vegetation of these
areas.
The use of silage and other feed can facilitate excessive stocking levels and may lead to
pollution of groundwater. Consequently, the use of any supplementary feeds in areas where
it has not been customary over the last ten years may be allowed only in consultation with the
Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local
Government. Round-baled silage can be stored in these areas. Loose silage can only be
stored where an approved effluent collection system is in place, and the effluent is removed
from the machair/sand dune.
No supplementary feeding can take place on young and fore-dune areas.
In machair and grey dune areas where supplementary feed has been used over the last 10
years it may be continued, provided that:

The number of LUs fed does not increase;

The species of stock fed does not change;

The total amount of feed equivalent does not increase;
135

The amount of feed does not exceed 3.5 tonnes of silage or 0.75 tonnes of hay per
LU;

No meals and concentrates are fed.
However, in exceptional circumstances, such as in unusually severe weather conditions (i.e.,
when there are heavy snowfalls or floods), and with the agreement of the Department of Arts,
Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, feeding will be permitted. Weanling cattle may be fed
small quantities of concentrates.
Cultivation, Reseeding And Pesticides
Ploughing, harrowing or any other form of cultivation must be avoided since this will
destabilise the dune structure. Small traditional tillage plots on machairs may be retained.
The bringing in of any seeds to these areas will disturb the vegetative balance on which the
dune depends and must be avoided. The feeding of hay should only be from round feeders.
The fixed dune parts of sand dunes are essentially areas with low levels of plant nutrients in
the soil and this has contributed to the development of their distinctive flora. These are also
areas most used for grazing. However, the spreading of organic (slurry, FYM), or inorganic
fertilisers must not take place as the flora in these areas would be damaged.
On machairs, where fertiliser has not been applied in the past, none can be applied now.
However, where low levels of phosphorus have traditionally been applied on machairs, this
may continue, provided that the soil Phosphorus levels do not increase above their present
levels or in any event do not exceed Soil Index 2.
Pesticides And Herbicides
All spraying or broadcast application of herbicides must be avoided, but spot application and
wipe on treatment to eradicate docks, thistles and similar noxious weeds can be used.
Animal Treatments
Worm doses may be used normally, but animals which have been given pesticides the
residues of which persist in the dung must be kept off the dune for at least a week after
treatment.
Dumping And Infilling
The dumping of domestic or industrial refuse, farm wastes, rubble, rock, or any similar
materials which could disturb the natural environment by bringing in unsuitable nutrients or
unsuitable soils and seeds must be avoided.
136
APPENDIX 9
Bird Boxes
Some birds nest inside holes in old or damaged trees. Where there are no natural holes they
may use nestboxes, if natural food is available nearby.
Designing a nestbox
Birds are different sizes, but will use 'standard' boxes, if you change the size of the entrance
hole to suit them. Blue Tits and Great Tits are most likely to use these.
With a large front opening, this box is used by birds that nest in cracks and among creepers,
such as Robins, Wrens and Spotted Flycatchers.
Making a box
Use solid wood or exterior-grade plywood, about 1.5cm thick. Thin wood is not weather-proof
and most other materials will not last long outdoors.
Use nails, screws or weather-proof glue to join the pieces together.
Decide the size of the entrance hole.
Use a brace and bit, a holesaw or a fretsaw to make the hole.
A new box will show up to predators and vandals. Paint it with a modern preservative stain
which is non-toxic.
Warning: Do not use creosote.
Shade provision
Shade the box from the sun, especially if it is on a wall. The box should face north or east in
order to face the entrance away from the worst of the wind and rain.
Tilt the box slightly forward to keep water away from the hole.
Location
Nestboxes near bird tables are not a good idea. Birds trying to nest are disturbed by those
that come to feed.
For tits, the box must be no more than 30 metres away from trees where they can collect
insects for their young.
It is best not to feed birds during the nesting season - Natural food is better for them and their
young.
137
Warning: Keep boxes away from places where cats can reach.
Nestbox hole diameters
Using the box
Be careful not to disturb birds using the box. A frightened bird may desert and leave its eggs
or young to die. Watch from a place that does not worry the birds.
In autumn, when nesting has finished, the old nest material can be cleared out. This stops
parasites such as fleas from living in the box until next year.
Further information can be found at http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/
1
INDEX
20 hour training course, 69
Access by bovines, 38, 40
actual housing dates, 34
adult female, 85
AES Division local offices, 28
Afforestation, 43
agreed farming conditions, 73
agricultural contracting firms, 64
agri-environmental plan, 13, 15, 18, 22,
28, 43, 58, 86
agri-environmental specifications, 18
agronomic practices, 55
amended plan, 14
animal housing, 6, 13, 20, 27, 28
animal manure, 23, 24, 40
animal welfare, 8
apple trees, 10
Application Rates, 31
approved breed society, 85
approved laboratory, 21, 32
approved planner, 12
archaeological, 8, 57, 58
Archaeological, 8, 12, 57, 58
area aid application, 14
Baled silage, 33
big-baled silage, 66
biodiversity, 6, 9, 10, 13, 17
Bird Boxes, 136
bird nesting, 29, 51, 131
blanket bogs, 26
Blanket bogs, 73
blood, 32
boreholes, 38, 40, 55
boundaries, 7, 13, 16, 42, 46, 47, 48,
49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55
Boundary Fencing Exemptions, 47
brassicas, 65, 89, 90
broadcasting, 89
broadleaf species, 17
buffer strip, 6, 29
Burning of growing vegetation, 44
Burren, 127, 128, 129
Callows., 42
carboniferous shales, 26
Cattle out wintering pads, 28
centre out, 66, 79
cereal, 11, 65, 67, 90
cereal sown margins, 67
cereals, 11, 25
Certificate of Completion, 70
certified nutrient analysis, 32
channel banks, 6
Chemical containers, 56
chemical fertilisers, 6, 20, 21, 30, 38,
40, 71
cladding, 62
clay banks, 43, 46
clover, 35
Commercial forestry, 15
Commercial turf cutting, 44
common air, 33
Commonage Framework plan, 20
Commonage Framework Plans, 72, 73, 124, 125
commonage target area, 16, 73, 74
Commonages, 10, 42, 72
conacre, 21, 47, 48, 54
Conacre, 15
Connemara Pony, 85
conservation crop margin, 67
conservation ground, 24
Conservation of Natural Heritage, 10,
72
contiguous, 47, 48
coppicing, 50, 51, 52, 112
core-housing period, 34
corncrake, 10, 15
Corncrake Cover Areas, 77
Corncrake Habitats, 10, 77
Corncrakes, 77
Council Directive 79/409/EEC, 10
Council Directive 92/43/EEC, 10
cover crop, 65, 66
crop rotation, 64
cropping programmes, 64
crossing points, 38
culverts, 39
Culverts, 38
dairy washings, 28, 31
Dead animals, 61
degree of degradation, 74
Density and Absorbency of Selected
Bedding Materials, 106
Department of Agriculture and Food,
18, 19, 28, 69, 73, 125, 127
derogation, 19, 40, 43, 67, 123, 124
Derogation Requests, 19
2
designated river, 11, 87
destocking, 74, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125,
126
Dexter, 85
Drilling, 89, 90
drinking points, 39
drinking troughs, 41, 68, 97
dungstead manure, 28
earth or stone banks, 7
education, 9
effluent channels, 28
environmental benefits, 9, 69
Environmental Management of
Setaside, 12, 64, 66
environmental report, 43, 74
Environmentally Friendly Farming
Practices, 9, 69
environmentally sensitive work ,
Eskers., 42
establishing field margins, 67
71
Establishing of New Hedgrows, 112
eutrophication, 7, 134
ewe equivalents, 74, 121, 125, 126
exclusions, 13
Expansive waters, 16
Exported waste, 21
external, 13, 47, 48
Farm and Environmental Records, 9, 71
farm buildings, 8, 27, 33, 60, 61, 62,
63
Farm Safety, 69
farming prescriptions, 72
farmland bird, 11
Farmyard, 8, 31, 60
farmyard manure (FYM), 28
farmyard sketch, 18, 27, 33
feed storage facilities, 20
feeding points, 37, 127, 128, 129
fertiliser, 7, 13, 14, 23, 25, 30, 32, 35,
36, 44, 55, 113
fertilisers, 7, 22, 29, 39
field drainage systems, 35
field margins, 45, 67, 68
Field numbering, 14
Field storage of FYM, 29
fish-bearing streams, 39
fissured limestone, 29
Flow directions, 27
Forest Service, 17
FYM, 28, 30, 82, 105, 106, 113, 135
Galway, 57,
Gates, 47
85, 99, 111
genetic resources, 11
Glyphosate, 113
Good Farming Practice, 69, 75
grass field margins, 46, 68
grassland, 6, 8, 11, 21, 22, 24, 26, 30,
34, 35, 36, 58
Grassland Management, 6, 34
grazing, 24, 25, 34, 35, 36, 39, 74, 82,
89, 121, 122, 125, 127, 131, 132,
133, 134, 135
green cover, 65
Green Cover Establishment, 12, 64, 65
growth pattern, 29
habitat, 6, 8, 10, 11, 15, 42, 43, 44, 46,
49, 51
habitats, 6, 7, 39, 42, 43, 46, 48, 49,
56, 61
harvesting, 65, 89
Hay and Silage Crops, 22
hay meadow, 34, 36
hay meadows, 10
heather moorland, 26
heaths and upland grasslands, 73
hedge trimmings, 51
hedgerows, 7, 39, 42, 47, 48, 49, 50,
51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 112
Hedgerows, 16, 43, 46, 48, 49, 50, 112,
113
herbicide, 7, 37, 56
herdowners, 85
high molybdenum soils, 26
historical, 8, 57, 58
Historical, 8, 57, 58
hung gates, 48
identification code(s), 73
Imported waste, 21
in-conversion, 91, 92, 94
in-conversion rate of payment, 94
Increased Arable Margins, 12, 55, 64,
67
Increased Watercourse Margin, 12
inplanting, 50
Integrated Administrative Control
System (IACS), 14
intensive agricultural enterprise waste,
28
invasive species, 49, 50
invoices and statements, 71
3
Irish Draught, 85
Irish Farm Films Producers Group (IFFPG,
61
Irish Maol (or Moiled),
85
Irish Seed Savers Association, 81
kale, 89, 90, 98
Kerry, 83, 84, 85, 99
kilns, 58
Laboratories approved, 99
lakes, 16, 29, 33, 38, 55
lakeshores, 40
Lake-Side Strips, 87
Land Parcel Identification Number, 14
Landscaping, 12, 60, 63
Landspreading, 29, 30, 31
laying, 27, 50, 52, 100, 112
leaching, 29, 30, 128
leased, 13, 15, 47
legal responsibilities, 20
length of watercourse, 41
lime, 14, 26, 27, 32, 58, 71, 99
Lime, 26
linear corridors, 7
LINNET, 11, 88
LINNET Crop Mixes, 90
litter, 8, 58, 68, 101, 106, 110
livestock numbers, 21
Local Authority Waste Management Plan,
56, 60, 61
LPIS, 124
Machairs., 42
maintenance work, 39
male progeny, 85
management information, 9
Managing Corncrake Habitat Areas,
77
Mandatory Biodiversity Undertakings,
9, 12
Map Colour Code, 16
Map Scales, 14
margins, 6, 42, 43, 46, 55, 56, 68
Marshes and Swamps., 42
Maximum chemical N permitted in
Kg/ha where no N from animal or
other waste is used, 23
maximum hydraulic loading, 31
Maximum Phosphorus Limits for
Grazing, Silage/Hay, 24
Measure 1, 6, 20, 40, 55, 63
Measure 10,
9, 69
Measure 11, 9, 71
Measure 2, 6, 34, 36
Measure 3, 6, 38, 40
Measure 4, 7, 15, 39, 42, 43, 44
MEASURE 5, 7, 47
Measure 6, 7, 55, 56, 114
Measure 7, 8, 13, 52, 57, 58
Measure 8, 8, 33, 60, 63
Measure 9, 8, 35, 64, 65, 68
Measure A, 10, 17, 19, 42, 72, 121,
127
Membrane lined earth bank lagoons, 28
mineral soils, 26, 32
minimum stocking level, 92
modern apple varieties, 10
Monthly livestock inventory, 71
monuments, 8, 57, 58
Monuments, 57, 58, 59
Mushroom producers, 21
native breeds, 85, 86
NATIVE BROADLEAF TREES, 115
NATIVE CONIFER, 117
NATIVE HEDGEROW SPECIES, 118
Natural Heritage Areas, 10, 72, 128
Natural or semi-natural vegetation, 42
natural regeneration, 66, 112
Nature Corridors, 12, 42, 45, 55
nestboxes, 136
NHAs, 10, 42, 72, 128, 130, 133
Nitrogen, 14, 21, 23, 30
Nitrogen Index, 23
Non commonage target area lands, 16
Non target habitat areas, 46
Non-Commonage Target Areas, 73
non-commonage target land, 75
NON-NATIVE BROADLEAF TREES, 116
NON-NATIVE HEDGEROW
SPECIES, 118
non-rotational set-aside, 15
noxious weeds, 34, 37
Noxious weeds, 55, 56
NPWS, 58, 73, 74, 127
nutrient enrichment, 6, 7, 131
Nutrient Limits, 21
nutrient management, 14, 20, 32
nutrient run-off, 35
nutrients, 6, 11, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 36
oilseed rape, 65, 90
on site assessment, 12, 20, 34, 38, 42,
47, 55, 57, 60, 64
open yards, 27
4
Option 2A, 12, 36, 37
Option 2B, 12, 36, 37
Option 3A, 12, 40, 55
Option 3B, 12, 41
Option 4A, 12, 44
Option 4B, 12, 44
Option 5A, 12, 47, 52
Option 5B, 12, 47, 52
Option 5C, 12, 47, 53
Option 7A, 12, 58
Option 7B, 12, 13, 58
Option 8A, 60, 63
Option 9A, 12, 64, 65
Option 9B, 12, 64, 66
Option 9C, 12, 64, 67
orange line, 74
Orchard size, 81
Ordnance Survey, 14
Organic (SM6) box on the REPS 1C,
95
Organic Farming, 11
ORGANIC FARMING, 91
organic fertilisers, 6
organic holding, 92
Organic Holdings with Measure A
Land, 94
organic licence, 91, 94
Organic Unit of the Department of Agriculture
and Food, 91
original plan, 15
out wintering pads, 28
outwintering, 34, 37
overgrazing, 6, 34, 48, 134
Overgrazing, 34
Partial Conversion of the Holding,
92, 93
pavement,, 127
peat, 26, 30, 32, 42
Peatlands, 42
permanent fence, 15, 54
permanent fences, 39
permanent post and wire fencing, 43,
46
pesticides, 7, 38, 39, 40, 51, 55, 56
phosphorus, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 31,
35, 99
Phosphorus, 14, 23, 25
photographs, 74
Planner signature, 27, 33
planning permission, 48
poaching, 6, 34, 35, 37
Point discharge, 31
polluter pays principle, 121
pollution, 6, 8, 20, 27, 30, 31, 33, 40
pollution control, 20, 27, 33
ponds, 7, 16, 42, 55
potential stocking density, 34
Poultry farmers, 21
private inspection bodies, 91
proposed buildings, 27, 33
pumphouses, 38
purebred, 85
raised bog, 42, 48
raised bogs, 26
Record of Monuments and Places, 57
record sheets, 9, 71
records, 9, 71
re-cycling, 61
reed beds, 28
Regional Fisheries Boards, 88
Regional Inspector, 19, 40, 43, 67,
123, 124
registered animals, 85
Rejuvenation/Coppicing/Laying of
Hedges, 112
removed watercourse, 15, 41
rented lands, 27
Repeat soil samples, 21
REPS 1B, 18
REPS 5V Form, 18
REPS Mapping System., 16
reseeded, 35
reseeding, 25, 37, 58
residual nutrients, 65
Riparian, 6, 11, 38
Riparian Zones, 87, 88
river channels, 11
Rough grass field margins, 68
Ruins, 58
S.I. 248 of 1978, 26
SACs, 10, 42, 72
salmonid, 11, 87
salmonid waters, 87
sampling area, 21, 23, 25, 32
sand and gravel, 44
Sand dunes and machairs, 73
Sand-dunes, foreshore and sea shore, 42
Scrubland, 42
separate airspace, 33
setaside, 14, 15, 66
5
Setaside,
15, 38, 66, 67
sewage sludge, 32
SI 112 of 2004, 91
silage effluent, 27, 28, 30, 31
sites, 10, 29, 37, 44, 47, 54, 57, 58
sketch, 27, 33, 63
slurry, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36
soakpit, 32
soil analysis report, 32
soil erosion, 6, 34
soil phosphorus index, 23
soil sample number, 32
soil samples, 20, 21
Soil sampling, 20
soiled water, 27, 28, 31
Soiled Water and Dairy Washings,
31
SPAs, 10, 42, 72
spawning grounds, 11
Special Areas of Conservation, 10, 72
Special Protection Areas, 10
Special Protection Areas (SPAs), 72
Species Rich Grassland, 12, 36
Spent sheep dip, 32
spot treatment, 37, 44, 66
Spray drift, 31, 68
Sprayer washings, 56
Spreading Times, 30
stiles, 47, 48, 54, 87
stock belonging to another farmer, 33
stock carrying capacity, 21, 22
stock in common air space, 33
stock on another farm, 32
STOCKING DENSITY, 127
Stockproofing, 47
stone walls, 7, 54
Stone walls, 16
stonewalls, 39, 42, 43, 46, 47, 48, 49,
52, 53, 54
Stonewalls, 51
storage capacity, 28
straw, 28, 33, 68, 100, 106
Straw and Stubble, 64
Straw bale equivalents, 33
straw-bedded houses, 28
streams, 7, 41, 42, 55, 129, 131
stubble, 64, 65, 68
Stud farmers, 21
subplot, 46
Suckler quota, 124
Suitable roof colours, 62
Supplementary concentrate,
65
supplementary feeding, 35, 37
Supplementary feeding sites, 68
Supplementary Measures, 10, 14, 69
surface run-off, 29
sustainability, 9, 11, 35
swallow holes, 44
Target Areas, 72, 73
target lands, 72
TARGET P INDEX, 24
Teagasc recommendations, 27
Temporary silage clamps, 66
Terms and Conditions of the Scheme,
12, 13, 18
The Burren, 73
Tidal waters, 39
tillage, 8, 9, 22, 23, 24, 26, 33, 58, 64
Tillage, 8, 22, 64
traditional buildings, 60, 63
traditional dwelling houses, 58
Traditional grazing practices, 36
Traditional Hay Meadows, 36
traditional Irish orchards, 15, 81
traditional practice, 36
Training, 9, 69, 70
turloughs, 44
Turloughs, 42
uncultivated margin, 64, 65
Uncultivated Margin, 64
Undergrazing, 34
Undersown crops, 65
Unenclosed lands, 47
Unlined earth bank lagoons, 28
Unsightly features, 60
Varieties of Trees, 82
Veterinary Regulations, 61
visual eyesores, 8
Waste materials, 60
waste oil, 61
waste storage facilities, 6, 13, 20, 28,
33, 34
wastes, 14, 20, 21, 22, 29, 31, 32, 40,
71
water bodies, 11
watercourse margin, 38, 40
watercourses, 6, 29, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41,
54, 55, 56
Watercourses, 12, 16, 38, 39
Watering points, 38
6
weather forecast, 29
wells, 6, 7, 29, 33, 38, 40, 55, 56
Wells, 38, 40, 41
wetlands, 7, 10, 45, 128
Wild Bird Cover, 90
Winter housing dates of livestock , 71
winterage, 127
WINTERAGE AREAS,
127
woodlands, 7
Woodlands and groves of trees, 42