Vol. 492 No. 6
77 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the position regarding the making of payments in relation to qualifying landholders under the special area of conservation scheme; and the reason for the delay in making these payments. [14537/98]
Those affected by SAC restrictions have two alternatives for obtaining compensation. They can join the REP scheme administered by the Department of Agriculture and Food, under which enhanced rates of payment will be available to those with land in protected areas or they can apply to my Department for compensation for actual losses incurred.
My colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Walsh, has announced that the revised REPS to provide compensation for farming in SACs will apply from next month.
Where a landowner does not wish to join REPS, my Department will arrange for an agri-environmental plan to be prepared for his or her farm, which will specify the restrictions or conditions necessary to conserve the ecology of the site. Such a person can then quantify the losses that compliance will entail, and can claim from my Department for the amount in question. Where agreement is not reached on the amount payable, independent arbitration will be available.
