Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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323. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of farmers that participated in the Shannon Callows farm plan scheme; the cost of the scheme in each year in which it operated; if consideration is being given to re-establish the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28079/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department recognises the positive role that farming can play in managing and restoring biodiversity. The National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme operates nationally, targeting various habitats and species by working proactively with farmers.

While there is no specific ‘Shannon Callows Farm Plan Scheme’, a number of farmers in the Shannon Callows have participated in the wider NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, with the objective of managing proactively for species-rich meadows, Corncrake and breeding waders.

The number of farmers that participated in the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme in the Shannon Callows each year since 2007, and the total annual payment made to those NPWS Farm Plan Scheme participants, is detailed in following tabular format.

Although the budget available for the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme was restricted in 2010, all existing farm plan contracts at that time were honoured. There are currently 12 new NPWS Farm Plans being designed for farmers in the Shannon Callows.

Subject to the availability of exchequer funding, it is anticipated that the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme would be expanded in the coming years.