Public debate for hen harrier zones

A FULL public consultation process will be undertaken wherever sites are proposed for designation as hen harrier Special Protection Areas (SPAs), said Junior Environment Minister Batt O’Keeffe, when he recently announced that preparatory scientific work to confirm the suitability of possible sites and to define their boundaries is under way.

He said it is hoped to publish site proposals by the end of the year.

According to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the hen harrier is one of Ireland’s rarest birds of prey, and the breeding population is mainly found in the Mullagharierk Mountains, the Boggeraghs, Ballyhouras, Nagles and Kilworth Mountains of the south-west.

The Minister said all known landowners in the areas proposed for designation will be consulted, and advertisements and public notices placed, in order to notify interested parties.

A three-month period will be allowed for any objections.

“It will be a complex task to balance and reconcile the requirements of afforestation, wind-farming and nature conservation”, said Minister O’Keeffe.

“In general, existing farming activities are likely to be fully compatible with the conservation requirements of hen harriers and other bird species.

“There is also a commitment to pay fair and reasonable compensation to other landowners for any actual loss shown to have been incurred as a result of any restrictions that may be imposed on existing activities consequent on designation of their lands.”

However, IFA in Kerry have already responded to speculation that 80,000 acres in Kerry, North Cork and West Limerick will be designated as hen harrier SPAs by calling on the Environment Minister to consult with IFA and landowners before proposing sites.