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REPS Scheme and Compulsory Purchase Order
In excess of 300 farmers will be effected by Compulsory Purchase Orders in Westmeath with the major road developments currently planned in the County. The majority of these farmers participate in REPS Scheme and Deputy Paul McGrath sought clarification from Minister Joe Walsh regarding their concerns.
Parliamentary Question No. 112, Wednesday 7th March 2001:
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the situation for farmers who are in the REP Scheme and who are served with Compulsory Purchase Orders for road improvements or new roads; if they are required to opt out of the REP scheme; the consequences of such a situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Answer:
The EU Regulations governing the REP Scheme make specific provisions which are applicable in circumstances where land that forms part of a REPS contract is the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order. In such cases the regulations provide that reimbursement of aid already paid shall not be required. A revised plan is required to provide for the adaptation of the existing commitment to the new situation of the holding and future payments under the scheme will be reduced to reflect the reduction in the area covered by the contract if it falls below the maximum area on which REPS payments can be calculated.
The Regulation further provides that where adaptation of the existing commitment proves impossible, the commitment shall expire and reimbursement shall not be required in respect of the period in which the commitment was effective.
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