The grazing restrictions that applied until the beginning of this month in the Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex Special Area of Conservation, the Maumturk Mountains Special Area of Conservation and the Owenduff/Nephin Special Protection Area were required to address the ruling of the European Court of Justice in case C-117/00 concerning overgrazing in the habitats of the red grouse and other species. The grazing restrictions, which although difficult to implement and maintain, were delivered in a spirit of co-operation and compliance and have had a positive effect on vegetation recovery. The case was closed in 2009, subject to continued grazing management, and significant fines were avoided.
To assist the farmers in these areas to become compliant with Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) requirement and the Nature Directives through cross compliance requirements, this Department made significant payments, of circa €5 million,between 2006 and 2013. The restrictions have now concluded and it is now a matter for the farmers in question to manage their stock numbers and to ensure that their land is in GAEC. My Department will therefore not be making further payments.
My Department is working with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the aim of inclusion of measures in the next Rural Development Programme to support appropriate management of Natura 2000 areas.
