Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Areas of Conservation.

John Ellis

Question:

158 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has to compensate farmers who are refused sanction to plant lands which have been designated as wildlife sanctuaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4269/97]

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

It is assumed that the areas referred to by the Deputy are the Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). The EU Habitats Directive requires member states to identify areas of community importance for nature conservation, and to protect them through their designation as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Compensation will be payable for the changes in farming practices which are compulsory as a result of the designation as SACs of private land.

Under European law, grants for afforestation administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry are payable only where the proposed planting will not damage the environment. If sanction to a grant is refused because the proposed planting would damage the environment, this is a failure to meet the conditions for grant aid. This condition applies whether or not the area is in an SAC. The calculation of losses arising from the inclusion of land in an SAC could not therefore take account of these grants. Full compensation will be payable for other losses. However, I am advised that in most cases planting of trees in these areas is not economic without grant aid.