Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a good news story. I welcome the delegation who informed the committee of the work that is being done. It is clear that the pilot scheme has worked and is a major success. It has brought measurable benefits to the environment, to heritage sites and to farmers themselves.

The injection of money into north Clare should not go unnoticed. It is a rural area of real scenic beauty. There has been an injection of €1 million per year, which is €3 million over the last three years. The co-finance element the farmers put in themselves brings the amount up to about €1.5 million per year. That is a massive injection of finance and sustains employment. I support the goals and objectives outlined by Dr. Dunford. The scheme must be extended to the rest of the Burren to take in the 650 farms that could be included. It is a major success and gives value for money.

I also support the extension of the programme to other sensitive landscapes throughout the State. There is a real benefit for the environment and for farmers. It is not often that one sees the farming community at one with the scientific community. That has to be recognised.

I suggest that the committee produces a report on this programme and makes a recommendation to the Minister based on the goals and objectives outlined by Dr. Dunford.