Minister of State Malcolm Noonan has unveiled the 2025 Farm Plan Scheme, offering landowners new ways to restore nature on their property, including an innovative “Actions for Nature” option for faster environmental improvements.
The expanded scheme, which aims to add 200 new participants to its current roster of 327 active farm plans, will accept applications until December 5th, 2024. For the first time, participants can choose between traditional five-year management plans or opt for one-off conservation projects like creating nature ponds or tackling invasive species.
“This scheme shows what we can achieve when we work together,” Minister Noonan said, noting how the program has grown from 50 to over 300 farm plans during his tenure. “The new ‘Actions for Nature’ option will make conservation more accessible to a wider range of landowners.”
The scheme prioritizes designated conservation areas and species of concern, but importantly, applicants don’t need to be farmers to participate. However, those already enrolled in other environmental schemes like ACRES or LIFE projects won’t be eligible to avoid double-funding.
Since its launch in 2006, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) initiative has supported over 1,000 farm plans, helping protect various habitats from coastal dunes to peatlands. The scheme offers both financial support and expert advice to participants, with plans tailored to each property’s specific needs and conservation goals.
Interested landowners can find application forms on the NPWS website, with submissions closing on December 5th, 2024.