The aim of the programme is to promote positive environmental impact by encouraging farmers to identify innovative solutions for the collection, storage and utilisation of storm water.

    The programme is open to everyone who carries on the farm business. This person will normally be the owner/occupier, a tenant or a partner or a landlord applying alone or jointly with a tenant. The scheme is only applicable to farmers in the Fermanagh ESA.

    Because of the innovative nature of this project, the collection and utilisation of storm water, it is not possible to provide a complete list of acceptable items but assistance may be available for example for water collection systems, such as collection tanks and for water utilisation items, such as troughs. Equipment eligible for grant aid in this category could include submersible pumps, power washers, associated spouting and down pipes

    The purpose of the investment must be for the innovative collection, storage and utilisation of storm water and there can be only one application per farm business.

    Financial assistance available is grant aid of 50% of eligible costs will be paid on a maximum expenditure of £3,000, i.e. the maximum grant per farm business will be £1,500.

    An education and training programme is an integral part of the programme. Training will include a number of farm demonstrations showing systems in place to collect, store and utilise storm water and a farm advisory/technical visit to promoter to assist with individual plans and implementation of projects According to Trevor Armstrong, FLAG Chairman, the funding “recognises the importance of the agricultural sector in the County and the invaluable contribution that farmers can make to the local environment. The agricultural sector in Fermanagh has suffered significant setbacks recently therefore this programme will offer a helping hand to these businesses, and facilitate in the development of an innovative environmental solution to their waste water management.