More than 200 farmers are still waiting for payments under the Green, Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS), which came to an end over two years ago.

GLAS was the successor to the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) and the Agri-Environmental Options Scheme (AEOS) in the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

The scheme aimed to reward farmers for farming in an environmentally friendly manner by making annual payments.

There was a particular focus on water quality, preservation of species and habitats, and climate change mitigation under the scheme.

GLAS ended on December 31, 2022 and the final payments under the scheme commenced in March 2023.

The specific payment rates depended on land type and the actions undertaken, but the maximum payment was €5,000/year.

Farmers taking part in GLAS+, which involves particularly challenging measures, could get a top-up payment of up to €2,000/year.

According to the latest data from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), some €1.37 billion has been paid out under the scheme.

In a recent parliamentary question, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry Pa Daly asked Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon about outstanding GLAS payments.

Minister Heydon confirmed that "226 herdowners are due a GLAS payment", adding that these farmers can be categorised as follows:

61 herdowners are owed an advance and/or balance payment for one or multiple scheme years,
165 GLAS 3 herdowners are owed 2022 rare breed payment to finalise their 2022 scheme year payment, as the rare breeds payment issued a year in arrears.

"In addition, GLAS officials have identified approximately 60 cases requiring financial reconciliation.

"These are a combination of top-up to system payments, penalty refunds, reversals, and posting of debts following revised decisions," the minister added.

Minister Heydon assured Deputy Daly that "everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible" all the remaining GLAS participants who clear pre-payment checks.