Paul Kehoe
Question:91 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the type of payments available to farmers for keeping their land preserved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8566/03]
Written Answers - Nature Conservation.
Lands may be designated for nature conservation purposes under the European Union (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 or the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.
Compensation is available to landowners for losses suffered as a result of restrictions which have been imposed to maintain the conservation status of the designated lands. These payments could result from a range of restrictions on previous use of the lands, such as, for example, a reduction in stocking levels or cessation of turf cutting.
Alternatively farmers may avail of payments under the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Food, under which higher levels of payment per hectare apply in areas designated for nature conservation.