Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 547: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding landowners who wish to carry out drainage works or reclamation works to land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36361/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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On 8 September 2011 I introduced the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Agriculture) Regulations 2011 to address a European Court of Justice judgement against Ireland in relation to the implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. The Regulations will be underpinned by a comprehensive guidance document. The consultation period for the draft guidance document has now closed. The submissions received will be taken into consideration by my Department, along with the views of the European Commission, before the guidance document is finalised.

Under these Regulations, landowners who intend to undertake land drainage works that will involve more than 15 hectares must apply to my Department for screening. Similarly if the proposed activities do not exceed the above size threshold, but the works may have a significant effect on the environment, then a screening application must also be made to my Department. Drainage and reclamation of wetlands is included in separate regulations introduced simultaneously by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government and remain part of the planning process.

The new Regulations should not be seen as an impediment to development. There is no cost involved to the farmer in the screening application process and I envisage a turn-around time for applications of between four and six weeks. If proposed works do not have a significant adverse effect on the environment, then there is no reason why they cannot proceed. I am satisfied that we have a workable solution that will minimise the administrative burden on farmers. Furthermore, with the exception of drainage and reclamation of wetlands, farmers will be able to carry out drainage works without recourse to the local authority planning system.