Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

656. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the plight of farmers whose lands have been designated as special protection areas for the hen harrier; her views that this designation renders these lands worthless, in areas of rural Ireland where people can least afford these restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4571/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the concerns of farmers about the designation of Special Protection Areas for Hen Harrier and I have met with representatives of farmers to discuss these matters.

In relation to land value, farmers are able to draw down financial supports under the Basic Payment Scheme on farmed land in these SPAs and I understand that they will also be afforded priority entrance to the new GLAS Scheme, in which Hen Harrier is a Priority Environmental Asset.

An Inter-Departmental Steering Group has been established to draw up a Threat Response Plan for the Hen Harrier. This Steering Group is examining all of the issues at hand, including forestry consents, planning permissions for wind farms, and financial supports for farmers under Pillar 1 and Pillar 2, with a view to determining the appropriate course of further action.