Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 12, between lines 27 and 28, to insert the following:

“(b) in Regulation 12, by the substitution of the following for paragraph (2):

“(2) The Minister shall notify every owner and occupier of any land proposed, but not yet included, as a candidate site of community importance, or in any modification thereof, of the proposal to potentially include the land in the candidate site of community importance and the said notification issued by the Minister under this paragraph shall include, in respect

of each site⁠—

(i)details of the procedures by which a person may object, which shall not be less than 90 working days from the date of registered posting of the notification,

(ii)details of at least one public meeting to be facilitated by the Minister in the local area,

(iii) details of the potential additional agricultural and environmental compensation schemes to compensate farmers to be introduced by the Minister,

(iv) details of any alternative solutions the Minister may be considering, and

(v) a copy of the information compiled, pursuant to Regulation 11, relating to that site.”.”.

It is important that there be consultation with farmers and landowners. The State even owns lots of parcels of land. Consultation is vital. Far too often, we have seen the designation of whole swathes of land as special areas of conservation, SACs, special protection areas, SPAs, or protected areas for hen harriers, etc. That is fine, because the farmers and people of the countryside are excellent custodians of the land. They love and respect nature, flora and fauna. Without those people, we would be much poorer in diversity. Therefore, there must be consultation in this regard and not just the designation of huge parcels of land without such consultation. We are seeking to ensure that farmers are consulted fully on the ground prior to the designation of such areas. This does not happen currently, but it should.

It will be more and more important that there is consultation because land is an emotive issue. We all remember The Field and other similar plays concerning our history. We must have respect, and that goes both ways. This amendment seeks the establishment of additional compensation - I hate the word "compensation", but that is what it is - schemes for farmers who often, especially under SPA designation, have their lands almost completely or 90% sterilised. I also draw attention to the requirement for a farmer to obtain full planning permission for fencing, draining or work involving a digger on selected farmlands. A key role should be introduced for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to act in the best interests of farmers, which is the Minister's duty under the Constitution. It should also be ensured that there is consultation, engagement and proper funding to compensate for loss of income and potential loss of income. We have withdrawn many of our amendments, but are trying to enact this amendment to address a very serious issue.

It is a serious subject because it is an aspect which can often determine whether a farm is viable. There must be time for consultation. Public meetings should also be held, and held in the district concerned. I do not know what would have happened in that regard in the last 12 or 13 months, and even to this day, under lockdown. We also had this debate with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, about public meetings not being held in the context of the Planning and Development Bill 2020. It is a good time for changes in designation and everything else and people were locked out of the process. I reiterate that this issue applies to family farms, and all farmers and landowners. They should have 90 days, at least, to be informed, to have time for consultation and to make a submission.

See this speech in context