Ministerial statement on impact of roads schemes

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has confirmed her Department’s position regarding the potential impact of new roads schemes following a presentation by senior DARD officials to the ARD Committee on the issue.

Recognising the lead responsibility of the Department for Regional Development (DRD) in managing the process and rural proofing its schemes, the Minister and her Department acknowledged it too had a role in supporting those businesses and individuals affected.

Outlining the issues, as expressed at the ARD Committee by her senior officials, the Minister said: "Our main focus will be on helping farm businesses to adapt once it is confirmed how and when they will be affected. This will involve mainly business planning and mapping exercises and working through the impact of changes in land use on the Single Farm Payment and Agri-environment schemes."

Conscious of the pressures placed on farms following the announcement of such schemes, the Minister said: "The planning and consultation phase of such schemes can be a stressful time for farmers and their families. I would point farmers towards organisations such as Rural Support. Funded by DARD, Rural Support exists to help people deal with anxiety and uncertainty on a personal level."

Discussing her correspondence with other Ministers on this issue, the Minister added: "I have written to my Executive colleague, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy on several occasions regarding the impact of upcoming roads schemes. In response he has confirmed that DRD’s appraisal process incorporates a challenge equivalent to rural proofing and that his Department’s Roads Service is working with the Ulster Farmers’ Union to develop a suitable code of practice.

"Similar correspondence between myself and the then DFP Minister, Peter Robinson also confirmed the process for compensation. He outlined to me the range of factors to be considered in the process including severance, depreciation and the impact on the business itself."

Notes to editors:

1. Deputy Secretary at the Department of Agriculture Roy McClenaghan and Director Rural Payments and Inspections in DARD, Malcolm Beatty presented the Department’s position on the impact of roads schemes on the Minister’s behalf at today’s ARD Committee meeting.
2. All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.