I presume that the Deputy is referring to the option of selecting Non-productive Investments (NPIs) and/or Landscape Actions which are available to participants within the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme Co-Operation stream (ACRES CP). Over the lifetime of an ACRES CP contract a participant has the potential to receive a maximum of €52,500 over 5 years through a combination of a maximum annual core payment of €7,000 and an additional budget of €17,500 for Non-Productive Investments and Landscape Actions spread over the five-year period of the Scheme.
The application window for NPIs opened for ACRES Tranche 1 participants in December 2023 and, following an extensive screening process by the CP teams, decision letters are scheduled to issue in the second half of 2024. Details on claiming payment for NPIs will be published later this year. Applicants will also have further opportunities to apply for NPIs when new application windows open.
The development of the Landscape Action element of ACRES Co-operation is also being progressed and a draft list of possible actions will be published when finalised.
No works should be carried out, nor materials purchased, until participants are approved to carry out NPIs or Landscape Actions, as they will not be reimbursed. As outlined in the terms and conditions, the cost of NPIs and/or Landscape Actions will be repaid to a participant on receipt of a valid claim.
