Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funding provided by the European Commission to Ireland to deal with the impact of special areas of conservation and special protection area designations and under the Habitats Directive; the way this funding has been allocated and drawn down to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32879/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In the first instance, the designation and protection of Natura 2000 sites is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

EU funding is provided under the rural development Regulations for the overall improvement of the environment and the countryside. This funding is channelled through the Rural Development Programmes of each Member State and may cover a number of environmental measures, including payments in respect of designated Natura 2000 sites. It must be co funded by national funds at the rate of 45%. In Ireland compensatory payments in respect of these sites are incorporated in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme. Out of a total allocation of €1.1bn for agri-environmental measures over the lifetime of the rural development programme from 2007 to 2013, an indicative amount of €220 has been designated for Natura payments.

Actual spending depends on take up of this measure by farmers and close to €8m was spent on Natura measures in 2008 while it is estimated that a further €10m will be paid in respect of 2009 applications. It is anticipated that over the lifetime of the programme all EU funds will be drawn down.