Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 8

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas.

Michael Ring

Question:

37 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress, if any, which has been made on the reclassification of lands to establish a new category of extremely disadvantaged areas in Ireland in view of the fact that the submission was submitted to the EU on 9 October 1997. [19438/97]

Derek McDowell

Question:

55 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress, if any, which has been made in relation to the proposal submitted to Brussels in early 1997 in relation to third tier disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19470/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 55 together.

A submission to establish a new category of extremely disadvantaged areas in Ireland was formally presented to the EU Commission on 9 October, 1996.

Subsequent to the submission, the Commission raised the issues of conservation and overgrazing in connection with the REPS and special areas of conservation. They are concerned to ensure that proposals affecting the extent and classification of land in the disadvantaged areas do not have an adverse affect on areas which are being targeted by the REPS and SACs as requiring special attention.

In this regard, the Commission has made it clear that discussions relating to overgrazing and conservation must be concluded before proposals affecting disadvantaged areas can be finalised. I am endeavouring to bring the question of overgrazing and conservation to as speedy a conclusion as possible.