Special Areas of Conservation Criteria

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 October 2014

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

Questions (29)

Seán Kyne

Question:

29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the plans she has put in place to compensate farmers who were restricted under the 12 Bens destocking scheme but who have received no payment in 2014; if she has consulted with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding these farmers; and if those of existing ASOS schemes are entitled to a compensating payment in 2014, especially those who have exited National Parks and Wildlife scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40141/14]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The 5 year grazing restriction in the 12 Bens/Garraun Complex and Maam Turk Mountains Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) ran from the 1 November 2008 until the 31 October 2013. This grazing restriction was lifted on 1 November 2013. As there is no ongoing restriction in these areas, no further compensation falls due. Appropriate supports for sustainable upland farming should be provided for in the next Rural Development Programme and my Department has made detailed submissions to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in this regard.

My Department has fulfilled its financial commitments to all other farmers in the area who were in REPS and the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, where all fully completed documentation was received from participants.