Vol. 528 No. 2
201 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the position regarding compensation payments to farmers in the Burren with land in candidate NHAs and SACs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29906/00]
Under the Partnership 2000 for Inclusion, Employment and Competitiveness the Government agreed that "a fair level of compensation shall be paid, having regard to the level and extent of restriction and all reasonable losses arising as a result of SPA/SAC designation and to the difference between the value pre-designation for environmental purposes and the subsequent value of the land consequent on designation as an SPA/SAC." Provision for such compensation is also included in the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997.
In pursuit of this commitment, a farm plan will be drawn up when requested by any farmer whose land lies within an SAC and who does not chose to join the REP scheme operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Based on this plan, compensation will be paid for any restrictions necessary to protect the habitat, or for any actual losses caused by the designation.
Two "pilot" farm plans for farms in the Burren have been completed recently. It is anticipated that the experience gained from these plans will guide the preparation of any further farm plans in the Burren.
In the case of NHAs, my Department has not, to date, imposed restrictions, so the question of compensation does not currently arise.
