Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1993

Vol. 431 No. 3

Written Answers. - Ordnance Survey Maps.

John Connor

Question:

62 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if, in relation to the area aid applications, his attention has been drawn to the fact that farmers who are or may be asked to produce ordnance survey maps showing the area of their farms may find it impossible in many cases due to the fact that much of the ordnance survey of Ireland has not been updated for 70 years in many areas; and if he will guarantee that applicants who cannot prove the boundary delineations of their holdings on such maps due to lack of updating will not be penalised for this.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

Maps are required with area aid applications in order to enable the areas declared by farmers, and their uses, to be verified by satellite imagery and/or field inspections. Farmers applying only for livestock premia are not required to supply maps this year.

I am aware that Ordnance Survey maps for some parts of the country are not recent and do not reflect changes in field boundaries which have taken place since they were drawn up. However, it should be possible for farmers — particularly those growing tillage crops — to indicate the current field boundaries on the maps, and the areas involved, with reasonable accuracy.

It is not my intention to penalise farmers who make what are obviously errors in such cases but excessive claims due to gross carelessness or intention to defraud will not be entertained.