Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2014
272. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if compensation is available for persons whose land has been designated for hen harrier under the targeted output scheme, as proposed under the rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39790/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe targeted scheme referred to by the Deputy is a proposed new measure under the Rural Development Programme for 2014-2020. The EU Commission is now considering Ireland’s draft Programme. The Targeted Output scheme will include an expansion of the existing Burren Farming for Conservation Project, as well as new measures targeting the preservation of the freshwater pearl mussel. There will also be a competitive element to select additional projects on foot of a public call for proposals, and this may well result in new projects being brought forward in hen-harrier areas.
However, the main vehicle for supporting the conservation of the hen harrier in the context of the RDP will be through GLAS. Applicants for GLAS whose land has been designated for hen-harrier will be given priority access to the scheme. It is envisaged that all farmers who undertake the required action for hen-harrier on their lands will receive a payment rate of €370 per hectare, subject to a maximum payment of €5,000 per holding.
