September 8 cutoff for reclamation screening

DEPARTMENT of Agriculture permission may be needed to continue land reclamation projects which commenced since September 8 — the cutoff point after which farmers must ask officials to screen their plans for land restructuring, conversion of uncultivated or semi-natural areas, or land drainage, if above certain size thresholds.

In a draft guidance document, details are also given of sub-threshold works which must be screened by Department officials, because they may have a significant effect on the environment.

Farmers organisations and other stakeholders have a three-weeks public consultation period, until Friday, October 21, to react to the guidance document. Setting out proposed regulations, it can be read on the www.agriculture.gov.ie website.