Rural Development Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017

Monday, 11 September 2017

Questions (1353)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

1353. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 contains references or measures under investments for the restoration of agricultural land and production potential damaged by natural disasters, adverse climatic events and catastrophic events as provided under Article 18(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No. 1305/2013; if investments for the restoration of agricultural land and production potential damaged by severe flooding can be funded under RDP 2014-2020; and if an amendment would be necessary to same. [38463/17]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Ireland's 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme does not contain a measure for restoring agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters and introduction of appropriate prevention. Following detailed analysis and public consultation, it was concluded that because of its geographic position Ireland is not generally prone to suffering from natural disasters and that pre-existing nationally funded measures are considered to be sufficient to address any possibilities.

That is not to say that we do not suffer from adverse climatic events, as evidenced by the recent freak flooding in North Donegal, but that is being dealt with outside of the RDP through a nationally funded measure which I introduced last week. An amendment to the RDP would be required if funding were to be provided under Article 18(1)b of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 which would take considerable time to complete.