Minister agrees environmental deal with farmers
The Minister for the Environment has struck a deal with farmers on the protection of the environment after a year of negotiations.
Martin Cullen has said a new agreement on Habitats Regulations will play a crucial role in conserving nature into the future.
Talks between the department and farming groups over the 1997 Habitats Regulations began in July 2003 and it has taken until now to strike a deal.
Minister Cullen has said that under the new agreed regulations, the process of designating sites for nature conservation will begin as soon as possible.
He has said the deal will mean increased co-operation between landowners and conservation staff.
Compensation will be paid out to landowners for any costs or income losses which directly result from restrictions imposed because of the designations.
A formal acceptance of the agreement by the three groups concerned, the IFA, the ICMSA and Macra na Feirme is expected shortly.
