A Roscommon TD is raising concerns over the lack of clarity on whether turf cutting on commonage lands is allowed under the ACRES scheme.
Claire Kerrane is calling on the Agricultural Minister to confirm if farmers participating in the Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme will be allowed to cut on bog owned by one or more people.
She says she has queried the issue with Minister as she says the rules are unclear for farmers and the impact this could have on their payments.
Minister McConalogue has responded that he's examining the matter but has not provided an update.
The Sinn Fein TD says the Minister's lack of assurance only serves to cause uncertainty for people participating in schemes.
'The Minister confirmed to me last week that he'll reflect on this , and I have asked him, and I've been in contact with him again today, just to make clear that farmers are waiting , as I said, turf cutting has started , farmers need to be told they can go ahead without the worry of financial penalties.
I understand that in some cases we're looking at a cost to farmers, if he makes commonage where turf cutting takes place, if he makes that ineligible , you're looking at a cost of between €60 to €220 euro per hectare.'
