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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - Overgrazing by Sheep.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

141 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action, if any, taken or is planned to prevent the overgrazing by sheep in the western mountains particularly in the catchment of the Corrib, Mask and Carra system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11189/98]

My Department is addressing overgrazing by sheep through the rural environment protection scheme, REPS. An improved package of measures in REPS has been drawn up to address environmental conservation in NHAs and commonages which would include western mountains particularly in the catchment of the Corrib, Mask and Carra system. One of the measures includes the introduction of cross-compliance to prevent overgrazing in commonage areas.

With effect from 1 January 1998, sheep producers with commonage land in areas classified as overgrazed, including such commonages in areas designated by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands as natural heritage areas are required to indicate their intention to participate in an approved agri-environment programme in order to qualify for ewe premium — rural world premium and sheep headage payments. A farmer may decide to participate in an agri-environmental programme under REPS or in a national scheme operated by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands to meet this requirement.

In addition, the new measures provide that overall framework plans for commonages are drawn up to ensure that sheep numbers are confined to sustainable levels in these areas. My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, will oversee the development and implementation of these plans. I am confident that these new comprehensive measures will be successful in regenerating vegetation in overgrazed areas with consequent environmental benefits.

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