The MacGillycuddy Reeks EIP project based in Co. Kerry is currently inviting local farmers with private or commonage land to submit applications for funding to carry out works in 2021.
The works will improve one or more of the following:
- Condition of peatland;
- Treatment of invasive species;
- Water quality and the protection of watercourses;
- Biodiversity actions – habitat creation / farm pollinators.
The MacGillycuddy Reeks EIP (European Innovation Partnership Project) is a locally-led agri-environmental project, which aims to improve the sustainability and economic viability of the farming in the MacGillycuddy Reeks through the development of practical, achievable and innovative solutions in order to protect the biodiversity of this unique area.
Funded by DAFM
The project is inviting farmers to submit an expression of interest or application, with the support of their farm advisor, to carry out work on their private farm holdings or on commonages (with the agreement of other commonage shareholders) during 2021.
It is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, led by the South Kerry Development Partnership.
There are four categories of funding available for works:
- Projects costing up to €1,000 x five;
- Projects costing up to €2,500 x four;
- Projects costing up to €10,000 x two;
- Projects costing up to €20,000 x two.
Small-scale projects costing up to €1,000 could include fencing watercourses, provision of water for livestock, installing silt fences/traps or treatment of small areas of mildly infested rhododendron.
Medium-scale projects costing up to €2,500 could include cutting of encroaching vegetation by hand/machine or treatment of small areas of mild to moderate infested rhododendron.
A full guidance document detailing the types of work that will be funded under the open call, the expression of interest/applications forms and rates of payment can be found on the EIP’s website.
The closing date is March 31.