Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2024
134. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government is putting a fund in place to support farmers in the implementation of the nature restoration fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10697/24]
View answerThe Nature Restoration Law (NRL) presents significant opportunities to support the achievement of nature, water and climate objectives, as well as substantial co-benefits in rural economies and communities. Ireland continues to support this ambition and the principles underpinning the proposed EU Regulation.
The Government is clear that farmers have nothing to fear as the legal obligation to achieve the targets set out in the NRL proposal is on the Member State, not the landowner. Landowner participation in the NRL is voluntary and the Regulation is explicit on this in relation to rewetting. The Government is clear that all restoration measures will be voluntary. This is why any restoration measures that landowners choose to participate in will be well incentivised and resourced.
The design of appropriate incentive schemes to deliver the restoration measures required by the NRP will be one of the key tasks of the restoration planning process and will include consideration of national and EU funding opportunities and a comprehensive assessment of funding needs.
Completion of the NRP will be aligned with the opening of the Government’s €3.15bn Climate and Nature Fund in 2026. This fund is expected to play an important role in resourcing the measures in the Plan.
