Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 6

Written Answers. - Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

131 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when it is intended to release details of the scheme regarding environmentally sensitive areas; if his attention has been drawn to the confusion which has arisen between this scheme and the designation of certain areas as being of scientific interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

Following the recent Budget Statement that funding will be made available in 1990 for implementation of the EC environmentally sensitive areas schemes the necessary arrangements are being undertaken in my Department towards the introduction of a suitable scheme here. I am not in a position to say at this stage when details will be announced.

I am not aware that confusion exists between the proposed environmentally sensitive areas scheme and the designation of certain areas as being of scientific interest. Under the former scheme, annual premiums, part-funded by the EC, may be paid to farmers who agree to introduce or maintain farming methods which protect the environment or maintain the landscape in areas which have been specifically designated as sensitive from an environmental point of view.

On the other hand, areas of scientific interest are ones identified by the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works as part of their on-going collection of data on flora and fauna. These areas would include certain peatlands, dune systems, burial sites, woodlands, grasslands, coastal headlands, fens and marine areas. Payments are not normally made to farmers in areas of scientific interest and no restriction in relation to farming practices are laid down. However, full co-operation exists between the Wildlife Service and my Department to ensure that structural measures grant aided by my Department will not adversely affect the environment in these areas.