The third and final tranche of the Burren Programme has opened for applications, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed.

The programme is one of a suite of locally-led schemes being rolled out by the department as part of its Rural Development Programme (RDP).

It is targeted specifically at farmers with species-rich grazed habitats in the Burren, the department explained. There is more than 270 farmers participating in the Burren Programme at present following successful intakes in 2015 and 2016.

It is hoped that this tranche – which closes for applications on Friday, November 17 – will bring the total number of participants in the programme over to 400.

Farmers in the Co. Galway section of the Burren region are expected to be particularly targeted in the final tranche of the programme. Five-year contracts – commencing on January 1, 2018 – will be awarded to all successful applicants.

The current Burren scheme is central to meeting the objectives of conserving the unique heritage, environment and communities of the unique area, the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, said.

“I had an opportunity last week to take part in one of the farm walks organised as part of the Winterage Weekend and can see that the Burren project is an excellent example of an innovative locally-led project under our Rural Development Programme.

“I would like to congratulate the Burren Team and the participating farmers on a scheme which ensures that agricultural activity is undertaken with regard to the local heritage and environmental priorities and which has fostered a palpable sense of community pride.

“We look forward to working with them on developing this project into the future,” he added.

This scheme focuses specifically on the conservation of the unique farming landscape in the Burren region in counties Clare and Galway, according to the department.

It is understood that the investment by the department for this scheme will equal close to €15 million over the lifetime of the present RDP.

Farmers interested in applying can access an application form on the department’s website.