Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
213. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 713 of 6 May 2026, if further information will be clarified (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38360/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the case in question my Department had sought evidence that the applicant had carried out an agricultural activity on commonage lands declared by them. The applicant had no livestock based on sheep census returns and the department's cattle database.
In the case of commonage lands, the primary method of carrying out an agricultural activity is generally the grazing and management of livestock on the lands concerned. Works such as topping and hedge cutting may constitute agricultural activity where appropriately evidenced. However, the Department must assess the evidence available at the time of review. A receipt for works carried out, while considered as supporting documentation, may not in itself be sufficient to verify that the required agricultural activity took place on the specific parcel concerned.
My Department assesses all cases individually and the acceptability of an activity depends on the nature, timing and extent of the work carried out.
As previously advised in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 713 of 6 May 2026, on 18 February 2026, my Department issued an Agricultural Activity Check Failure Letter, which informed the applicant of their right to request a review.
