Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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500. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available for the rewilding and-or wilding of land; and the current level of uptake of these supports, in tabular form. [21417/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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We all absolutely acknowledge the critical importance of protecting and enhancing biodiversity. Our terrestrial biodiversity measures are designed for the conservation of farmland biodiversity and for semi-natural habitats which rely on agriculture for appropriate management to restore or maintain good habitat condition.

My Department does not have specific supports for 'rewilding/wilding'. However, we have many measures within the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) and support many initiatives which facilitate the maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity in an agricultural context.

Ireland's CSP reflects a significant focus on the environment and biodiversity in particular. The incorporation of results-based payment measures into the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is a progressive step to incentivise more extensive management of many of our protected habitats. Other actions in ACRES support more extensive management of particular farmland habitats supporting the habitat and food requirements for our wild species that depend on farmland.

Existing European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs), such as The Hen Harrier and Pearl Mussel Projects are continuing to showcase the success of locally-led and targeted approaches to blending agricultural activities with biodiversity. EIP support will continue under the CSP, where it is envisaged that there will be specific calls for projects which will support the breeding wader habitats of the Shannon Callows amongst other priorities.

Outside of the CSP, my Department provides funding for, and are engaged in, several EU LIFE projects, where we work in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE Integrated Project, Corncrake LIFE and LIFE on Machair projects for example all focus on priority habitats which rely on sensitive management by farmers.