Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
499. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a person (details supplied) is entitled to hen harrier compensation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10213/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was in correspondence with the named individual and a farm planner in relation to drawing up a plan for the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, but a plan was never submitted. It is not the case that an individual cannot farm their lands because of a designation. Two farming related activities require consent: removal of field boundaries and agricultural improvement of heath-bog, both of which would normally require consent anywhere in the country (including outside of designated areas) under the Terms and Conditions of the Basic Payment Scheme, the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations 2011 and/or the Planning and Development Regulations 2011.
My Department fully recognises the value of farming in the Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas to contribute biodiversity, landscape and other environmental benefits including flood mitigation and carbon sequestration.
There are significant payments available under existing and forthcoming agri-environment schemes. I understand that the person to whom this question refers may be a participant in the AEOS 2 scheme.
I am also aware that farmers in Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas are prioritised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for entry to GLAS and GLAS+ and the upcoming Locally-led Agri-Environment Scheme for Hen Harriers. Furthermore, my Department has worked with the Department of Agriculture to seek to ensure that maximum area of lands within Hen Harrier SPAs that are managed favourably for the species are determined as eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme.
