Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1946. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the roll-out of a compensation scheme for landowners impacted by the hen harrier designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34033/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I would like to clarify that my Department has no role in the designation of lands. That function is exercised through the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The question of compensation does not arise, therefore, in the context of any schemes or measures introduced by my Department.
As regards the new Hen Harrier Programme, I should stress that this is a locally-led pilot project under the European Innovation Partnerships measure, which is not directly administered by my Department. The design and management of the programme are primarily matters for the local project team, who have consulted widely with farmers in designated areas in the development of the measures to be undertaken on the ground and associated payments.
I have provided a budget of €25 million for this new innovative agri-environment approach. This is in addition to the significant framework of support for farmers with hen-harrier designated land already in place through my Department's agri-environment scheme GLAS. Under GLAS, farmers with hen harrier habitat qualify for a payment of €370 per hectare and can earn up to €7,000 per annum through a combination of GLAS and GLAS Plus payments. The GLAS Hen Harrier action has proved hugely successful, with some 2,678 farmers now signed up. This accounts for almost 70% of all farmers with hen harrier habitat.
Response to the new locally-led programme has been similarly positive with nearly seven hundred applications received already. This programme targets in particular farmers managing large tracts of hen harrier habitat, and these can earn up to €5,000 a year or more depending on the actions undertaken and results achieved. For those already in GLAS, this can be in addition to payments currently drawn down under that scheme.
I regard both these interventions, fostered by my Department, as highly significant developments which will further the conservation of the bird as well as providing an important additional income stream for farmers in designated areas.
