Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2005
75 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures she intends to take to address the problems experienced by farmers in the Shannon callows, as a result of current proposals which do not allow them to split their lands for grant aid purposes between REP scheme funding and funding allocated under SAC and SPA designation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1785/05]
View answerMeasures have already been taken to address the specific situation of farmers in the Shannon callows with lands designated under the birds or habitats directives. Farmers in this area who wish to join REPS but believe that the REPS payments do not fully offset any income loss arising from the restrictions placed on their farming activities because of designation under the directives, may now also apply to the national parks and wildlife service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for additional compensation. Before this arrangement was introduced in September 2004, they had to choose between REPS and the compensation arrangements operated by NPWS but could not benefit from both.
This further concession to farmers in the Shannon callows was additional to the inclusion of a new supplementary measure in REPS when REPS 3 was introduced in June 2004. Designated areas are already eligible for payments under REPS measure A of €242 per hectare for the first 40 hectares and lesser amounts for areas over 40 hectares and the new supplementary measure provides for an additional payment of €100 per hectare on particular sites in the callows which are important corncrake habitats. Those sites are monitored by BirdWatch Ireland, and REPS farmers can qualify for the additional payment by subscribing to BirdWatch Ireland management prescriptions for them.
I am satisfied that provisions now in place guarantee full compensation for any losses arising out of designation for farmers in the Shannon callows who wish to join REPS and that no alternative arrangements are needed. I understand that separate discussions are taking place between the farm bodies and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to levels of compensation to be paid by that Department.
