Pilot SUAS project to benefit uplands
FOLLOWING several years of development, Wicklow Uplands Council passed a significant milestone with the first public presentation of its innovative SUAS project to a full audience at Glendalough’s Brockagh Centre.
The ‘Sustainable Uplands Agriculture-environment Scheme’ (SUAS), is the first project of its type in the county and will assist both commonage groups and individual farmers with locally-led initiatives. The scheme is designed to address the complex agricultural, environmental and socio-economic challenges associated with upland farming in the region.
‘ Tonight was great start for the SUAS project,’ said Brian Dunne, Coordinator for Wicklow Uplands Council, after the information evening. ‘It was excellent to see so many in attendance and to hear first-hand some very positive feedback towards the scheme. It will be a learning process for all involved but it will also be a rewarding opportunity for many across the entire upland community.
‘ The nature of being a pilot scheme is to also create an innovative step by step guide for future locally-led upland agri-environmental schemes.’
The project is one of 12 successful groups chosen from across Ireland under the new European Innovations Partnership (EIP) initiative. The initiative, which is being operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, sees a possible €11m in funding being made available nationwide.
Following the unveiling of the scheme, Michael Starrett of The Heritage Council said: ‘If ever the sustained support for small scale locally-based projects was in doubt, the inclusion of the SUAS project, nurtured through our work on developing Uplands Partnerships in the list of successful EIP initiatives, should remove it once and for all.’
The projects’ goals are quite extensive with the results of the scheme expected to increase the number of sheep on the hills and an extension to the grazing period over the coming years. This will be achieved through increasing the ecological and productive value of these habitats.
Improvement of the biodiversity, the protection of water quality and maintaining recreational access are key components and will be developed by integrating environmental and farming activities into a single management plan. The establishment of commonage groups with their own constitutions, training and support also feature in the scheme.
Any interested parties can contact Mr Dunne at the Wicklow Uplands Council on 01-2818406 and bdunne@wicklowuplands. ie. The closing date for receiving completed expression of interest forms is this Friday, March 30. Further information on the SUAS project and expression of interest forms are available from the office or at www.wicklowuplands.ie.