Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1996

Vol. 467 No. 7

Written Answers. - National Heritage Areas.

Noel Treacy

Question:

128 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the current position pertaining to national heritage areas; if he will give details of the commitment he recently gave to the IFA in this regard; the date on which this commitment was given; when legislation in this respect will be published; if compensation will be paid to the affected land owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14394/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has advertised the areas proposed for designation as NHAs. The Bill to amend the Wildlife Act, 1976, will set out the requirements for NHAs and the question of compensation, if any, will have to be viewed in the light of these requirements. I hope to be in a position to bring the Bill before the Oireachtas in the autumn.

I had a very useful meeting with the IFA on 13 June 1996 and I am keen that the dialogue with them and with the other farming organisations should be maintained. I propose to have a further meeting with the IFA in the autumn.