€13m spent to conserve protected hen harrier

Farmers have got an overall €13m government bonanza through implementing measures aimed at conserving the protected hen harrier on their lands.

On a yearly basis since the scheme was launched, it equates to about €12,900 each for an estimated 144 birds located in six designated special protection area (SPAs).

In response to a Freedom of Information request, the Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht confirmed that €1.86m had been paid out to farmers for protecting the hen harrier in the first 10 months of this year.