Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2013
151. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding designation of lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14606/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the EU Birds Directive, Ireland must designate Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the conservation of certain endangered species of bird, including the Hen Harrier. Six SPAs were proposed for the conservation of hen harrier in November 2007. Two of these sites include lands located in the area referred to by the Deputy.
The process to designate these sites provided an opportunity for land-owners to appeal the inclusion of their land within the SPA. All such appeals have now been dealt with and the final boundary for each site has been confirmed through separate Statutory Instruments.
As an alternative to the agri-environmental schemes operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Parks & Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme has been operated by my Department and made available to landowners in Hen Harrier SPAs. Under the scheme, farmers voluntarily undertake to abide by certain farming practices, which enhance the habitat for the species, over a period of five years. In return, they receive annual payments from my Department. Due to budgetary constraints, the scheme is now closed to new applicants but contractual commitments with participating farmers are being honoured.
