Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

Responsibility for the drainage and reclamation of wetlands is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. My colleague, the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and I simultaneously introduced legislation on 8 September 2011 in this area to address a European Court of Justice judgment against Ireland relating to Ireland's implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive which requires environmental impact assessment for certain categories of farm development.

The ECJ judgement is in regard to the restructuring of rural land holdings, the use of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas for intensive agriculture, and land drainage works on lands used for agriculture. Naturally, it has been a priority to address the findings of the court and thereby minimise the prospects of significant fines being applied against Ireland. This case, which opened in 2006, remains before the court for adjudication and an oral hearing has been set for early October 2012.

In introducing these regulations, however, I have also sought to ensure the system introduced was appropriate, accessible and reflected the particular circumstances on Irish farms. It is for this reason that, with the exception of the drainage and reclamation of wetlands, responsibility for removal of field boundaries, the use of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas for intensive agriculture, and land drainage works on lands used for agriculture, has transferred to my Department from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

My officials have had significant consultation with the farm bodies at all stages of the process, including meeting the representative organisations on a number of occasions to discuss progress and explain the requirements of the new regulations. In addition, I published a comprehensive guidance document for farmers which is available on my Department's website and in hard copy format at Teagasc, from agricultural consultants and at local Department offices. I also provided a leaflet to every farmer in the country explaining the regulations that now apply in this area.

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