Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2010
26 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason planning permission is required for fencing in Natura areas under the sheep fencing grant scheme when it is not a requirement under the prescribed actions set out by the national parks and wildlife service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45205/10]
View answerThe Sheep Fencing/Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme opened for applications on 1 November 2010. Under the terms of the Scheme, an application for grant-aid for the construction and erection of sheep fencing in certain areas, including a Natura 2000 habitat, must be accompanied by planning permission. The advice which I have received on this matter is that, under the Planning and Development Act 2000, all development including the construction and erection of fencing requires planning permission unless it is specifically listed as exempt and that construction of fencing in a Natura area is not exempt development.
