Conservation consultation process
Minister Martin Cullen said the Government is adopting an inclusive approach. Maintaining good farming practice is a core objective.
The best way to ensure nature conservation, respecting national and EU legislation requirements, is with the full co-operation and participation of landowners.
In some past cases, there had been misunderstanding when dealing the Habitats Directive. Mr Cullen was keen to ensure this will no longer be the case.
The consultative process for 44 new and 14 extended SACs will focus mainly on wetland habitats, particularly rivers, to support the conservation of salmon and other freshwater species.
Mr Cullen said he was aware of concerns that these salmon river designations may restrict farming activity. Management prescriptions will be discussed with farming organisations before they are finalised.
However, he did not anticipate any restrictions going beyond what is required by the Nitrates Directive and Good Farming Practice, published by the Department of Agriculture and Food in 2001.
Mr Cullen is proceeding with designating raised bogs as natural heritage areas following a consultation process.
Statutory orders are being prepared for 61 bogs to which there have been no objections from landowners and users.
