Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 323: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a specific payment for national heritage areas that are not eligible for top up payments under REP scheme four; the steps he is taking to address this situation; if he will remove the designation from these lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34166/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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REPS 4 participants who farm land formally designated as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA) are paid, by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, at the higher NATURA 2000 payment rate in REPS 4. Land that is proposed for future NHA designation is paid at the standard REPS payment rate pending formal designation. There are currently no plans to remove the proposals to designate the areas concerned as NHAs.