Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 Jan, 2018 to 30 Apr, 2018
Specific Details
EU Birds and Habitats Directive
Intended results
That there is a new agreement established to set out the terms under which the EU Habitats and Bird’s Directive is to be implemented.
The Department of Agriculture must recognise the frustration designation is causing farmers and landowners and must commit to a fresh agreement that will deal with farmers’ concerns, provide proper compensation for the restrictions imposed, and allow for increased flexibility in how farmers manage and make use of designated land.
That an agreement is concluded within 3 months and believes that until such time as the new agreement is put in place, the designation process which involves formalisation of previous proposed designations should be immediately halted.
That the new agreement includes: 1. The NPWS service must engage in a positive way when it comes to planning so that developments are allowed on designated areas subject to the protection of the environment. Flexibility is required to ensure that both the development and the environmental objectives are respected.
2. In relation to compensation, the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme was an integral part of the compensation mechanism, along with measures under the Department of Agriculture agri-environmental programmes. IFA is insisting that the Farm Plan Scheme is fully restored with proper funding. This will allow farmers to have the option of an NPWS scheme or a DAFM scheme or both and will ensure that all aspects of the designations can be covered by a compensation scheme.
3. IFA is particularly concerned at the delay in producing the Threat Response Plan for Hen Harrier area promised 3 years ago and is insisting that afforestation be allowed in Hen Harrier areas under guidelines.
4. In relation to devaluation of land, an arbitration process must be formally established with personnel appointed who can access disputes where landowners feel their property has been devalued.
5. A proper notification process must be put in place, including ensuring that the consequences of designation are explained fully to farmers on a one-to-one level.
6. In relation to appeals, the designated appeals body should produce an annual report of its work and must be shown to be truly independent. In addition, the landowner’s representatives should be financially supported to challenge the designation process. This will improve the outcome of the appeals process ensuring that all aspects are taken into account in the designation process.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Padraic Joyce - IFA Connacht Regional Chairman
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Informal communication (1)
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Josepha Madigan
Minister (Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht)
Jackie Cahill
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Martin Kenny
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Pat Deering
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Charlie McConalogue
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Willie Penrose
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Thomas Pringle
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Paul Daly
Senator (Seanad)
Tim Lombard
Senator (Seanad)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Senator (Seanad)
Michelle Mulherin
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)