Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Of the 4,439 landowners whose lands have been designated for this purpose, fewer than 10% are in receipt of compensation, which is remarkable. In my own area land that is suitable for agricultural use - forestry, in particular - is, essentially, rendered valueless. When Deputy Michael Creed and I met officials from the Minister's Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine some time ago to discuss this issue, we were told that a threat response plan was being initiated by both Departments to ascertain whether the designations would continue in their current form or be reduced in line, for example, with what had been done with the bogs. Has the Minister's Department sought legal advice on the scheme as it currently operates? The people I represent who are outside the scheme are asking me on a weekly basis what is happening with their land and whether they will ever be in a position to farm it. If not, will they at least be compensated for the use to which it is being put?

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