Liz McManus
Question:137 Ms. McManus asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to compensation for farmers who cannot sell or use lands for forestry development as a result of a wild life preservation order.
Written Answers. - Areas of Scientific Interest.
I assume the Deputy is referring to Areas of Scientific Interest.
The identification of a site as an Area of Scientific Interest by the Office of Public Works does not prohibit a farmer selling his land or using it for afforestation. Consequently, the question of compensation does not arise.
However, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works acts in an advisory capacity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and other grant-aiding authorities, where proposed developments are to take place within Areas of Scientific Interest.
If the National Parks and Wildlife Service advises that the proposed development will be environmentally damaging, then the grant aiding Department normally refuse grant aid.
Government approval was given in December last year to designate a million and a quarter acres of land as Natural Heritage Areas. These are the most important areas for conservation of Ireland's native flora and fauna.
As a first step, Areas of Scientific Interest will be re-surveyed and designated as Natural Heritage Areas where they meet the necessary criteria.
Under the Agri-Environment measures arising from Common Agricultural Policy reform, the Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry is drawing up a scheme of aid for environmentally friendly farming. Farmers whose land is in areas designated as Natural Heritage Areas may apply for such aid subject to certain conditions. The details of the scheme will not be available until late 1993.