Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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504. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide funding to the NPWS to compensate farmers that have their lands designated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42359/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I would like to clarify that my Department has no role in the designation of lands.  That function is exercised through the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.  The question of compensation does not arise, therefore, in the context of any schemes or measures introduced by my Department. That is entirely a matter for the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to decide upon, as is the provision of funds for any such purpose. My Department does not fund the National Parks and Wildlife Service.  

That said, many of these designations are for species or habitats whose conservation is encouraged under various schemes operated by my Department, such as GLAS, the Burren Programme or some of the newer locally-led schemes being rolled out at present like the Hen Harrier Scheme. Farmers in these areas have an opportunity to avail of a range of support packages under these schemes which can provide an important additional income stream for those affected.