Commonage Land Use

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 April 2015

Thursday, 2 April 2015

Ceisteanna (94)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

94. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how the Agricultural Appeals Board could find no evidence of agricultural activity on the Keelderry commonage in County Galway, during its inspection of the site in January 2014, whereas independent consultants found extensive evidence of agricultural activity throughout the entire site (details supplied), one week prior to the inspection by the Agricultural Appeals Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13615/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Further to a request by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Agriculture Appeals Office carried out a review of a decision of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the eligibility of the commonage land known as Keelderry Commonage, Co. Galway. As part of this review the land in question was visited on 23 January 2014. All shareholders in the commonage were notified in advance by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of the review request and by the Agriculture Appeals Office of the site visit. A copy of the findings issued to each of the shareholders. The recommendation of the Agriculture Appeals Office was that the findings of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the eligibility of these lands be upheld.