GLAS deadlines a ’safety hazard’ claims consultant

Health and safety concerns arise with bringing farmers to farms for GLAS training courses on dark, wet winter days, an agricultural advisor has claimed.

Carlow-based agri-consultant, Pat Minnock has raised concerns over the tight deadline which require farmers tio have completed courses by the end of December.

It is a major health and safety issue — bringing farmers into dark, poorly lit farms,” he said.

Advisors also raised issues with the GLAS training system as there were difficulties with the Department ’s computer systems on cancelling the attendance of farmers on courses and re-registering them for alternative courses.

The Department said the issue had been resolved for new courses and was expected to be fixed for finalised courses shortly.

Meanwhile, Nutrient Management Plans have now been submitted on behalf of over 86pc of GLAS 1 and 2 participants, with around 4,900 still outstanding. A spokeswoman said reminders had been issued that payments cannot issue until the plans have been submitted.