In most cases where lands are included in a SAC, SPA or NHA, farmers will not have to change their farming methods; it is more likely that farmers will be requested to carry on in the traditional way. In some situations changes may be necessary. The Department consults with farmers and advises them on the appropriate changes that may need to be made. Where a farmer is required to take particular action to protect the wildlife interest of the site, compensation may be payable, either through the Rural Environment Protection Scheme, or the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme. In either scheme, a farm plan will be prepared and agreed.
It is the responsibility of NPWS to see that designated sites are protected from significant damage. Where a landowner is considering making changes on his farm that might affect wildlife habitat in a designated area, he must consult the local conservation ranger beforehand. 'Notifiable Actions' are activities or operations that might be damaging can only be carried out with the permission of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. More information on Notifiable Actions is available here.
Developments likely to cause significant damage to the wildlife importance of a designated site will not be allowed. The only exceptions allowed in SACs and SPAs are for reasons of over-riding public interest, in the absence of any realistic alternative.
It is Irish Government policy, and EU policy, not to allow grant-aided developments that damage the environment.