Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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255. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to indicate, in the context of land management and maintenance, the extent to which land drainage continues to be central, notwithstanding encouragement towards rewilding and rewetting, given the tendency that land subject to water saturation may compact to the extent that necessary and adequate drainage cannot take place and consequently soils cannot be aerated; the likely steps to improve this position in order to protect agriculturally viable lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47243/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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It has to be acknowledged that soil drainage poses particular challenges in Ireland. There is a great variety of soils and soil problems which means that every drainage challenge on soils is unique. My Department understands that drainage and drain maintenance may be required on farms. However my Department advises that farmers considering drainage or drain maintenance should firstly conduct a site investigation, seek a professional diagnosis and a prudent assessment of the costs/benefits. In addition it requires expert implementation of a planned project and due consideration of environmental factors such as potential damage to fish and their habitats, including impacts downstream. There is no “one size fits all” solution.

Also farmers must consider that certain drainage works may require approval under the Environmental Impact Assessment Agriculture Regulations (EIA). If the proposed land drainage works exceed 15 hectares, or the works are to be carried out within or may affect an Natural Heritage Area (NHA), a proposed NHA, a Natura 2000 site or a nature reserve or the proposed works may have a significant effect on the environment, an Environmental Impact Assessment screening is required from my Department. Drainage or reclamation of wetlands can have a major impact on habitats and wildlife however, such works are not subject to EIA Agriculture Regulations. These activities are subject to planning permission under the Planning and Development Regulations.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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256. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which adequate provision is being made to protect the quality of Irish food-producing lands and farms, notwithstanding recent flooding, with particular reference to less reliance on flood plains and more emphasis on drainage to ensure agriculturally productive lands are protected from waterlogging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47245/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department recognises the impact that climate change is causing to the everyday activities of farmers in Ireland. Adaptation to climate change is a priority for my Department and key actions are set out in the Agriculture, Forest and Seafood Sectoral Adaptation Plan published in September 2019. This Adaptation Plan is about preparing our systems to deal with the inevitable changes in climate.

One of our Statement of Strategy objectives within DAFM is to promote measures to support farmers viability and resilience. Under Goal 3, the statement commits to developing a policy framework to improve viability and resilience, within the Agricultural Sector, with the aim of putting climate adaptation at the centre of resilience planning.

Externally DAFM is represented at the National Adaption Steering Committee, led by the Department of Environment, which is currently drafting the National Adaptation Framework and will have implications on the sector specific Adaptation Plans. DAFM also continues to liaise with the Climate Action Advisory Council to ensure there is annual progression in terms of adaptation policy within the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Sectors

The Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995 provide the Office of Public Works with powers for drainage and improvement of agricultural land and the undertaking of localised flood defence schemes to reduce flood risk in urban areas. The Arterial Drainage Acts and SI 122 of 2010 Regulations also introduced OPW consent requirements for the creation and modification of watercourses, embankments, weirs and bridges.