Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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361. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the hen harrier scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29807/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Farmers who are participants in GLAS or the Hen Harrier Scheme are required to operate according to their Farm Plan or Action Plan as per the terms and conditions of those schemes. My Department understands however that the person referred to is not in GLAS, the Hen Harrier Scheme or the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme.

There are only three activities which require consent for the Special Protection Area. These are

1. Construction, removal or alteration of fences, stone walls, hedgerows, banks or any field boundary other than temporary electric fencing. [Consent is not required for normal maintenance.]

2. Agricultural improvement of heath or bog.

3. Off-road recreational use of mechanically propelled vehicles.

None of the actions set out in the question appear to fall within the Activities Requiring Consent. However my Department's advice wherever landowners are unclear on such matters is to contact the local Conservation Ranger.