Vol. 533 No. 6
345 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if it is her policy not to compensate farmers in special areas of conversation who are precluded from obtaining planning permission, according to claims by local authorities, because of being so designated; the action she proposes to take regarding this matter; and the compensation which will be paid to farmers for the designation of their lands. [9670/01]
Planning permission, as mentioned by the Deputy, is a matter for local authorities and an Bord Pleanála. They may seek advice from Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, which will advise against giving permission only if the development is likely to have a significant adverse impact on the SAC.
Compensation will be paid to farmers and other landowners in special areas of conservation for actual losses incurred as a result of restrictions imposed on existing activities. No compensation is payable for perceived losses of potential income.
