Vol. 415 No. 8
198 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the consultations which take place with landowners before certain areas of the country are designated as areas of scientific interest; and if he has any proposals to compensate farmers whose land is affected by such designation.
An area of scientific interest is an area which is of special interest for its fauna and flora. It is identified as such by a survey and selection process based on an assessment by scientists using criteria such as representativeness, disturbance, rarity and size. The criteria used are in accordance with those use throughout the European Community. It has not been the practice to consult landowners on this assessment.
Identification of land as an area of scientific interest does not prevent a landowner from developing that land. If any proposed developments in such an area are considered to be damaging to the environment, the Office of Public Works object to such development and ask other Government agencies not to grant-aid such development. The landowner may still proceed with the development subject to normal planning and development regulations. Consequently, the question of compensation does not arise.
