Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob) Designation (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 1997

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order.)

This Order further amends the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob) Designation Order (Northern Ireland) 1993.

This Order makes the following principal changes:—

1.  Where an agreement relates to “species rich dry grassland” or “species rich wet grassland” payment is provided for at £110 per annum for each hectare.

2.  Where an agreement relates to land set aside for wildlife corridors the rate of payment for each hectare of such land is increased—

(a) if the land is unimproved grassland, from £100 to £150 per annum;

(b) if the land is improved land, from £200 to £300 per annum;

(c) if the land is rough moorland grazing from £50 to £75 per annum.

3.  The maximum rate of payments under enhancement provisions are increased to £3,000 in any year (or £9,000 in any year in relation to the renovation of traditional farm buildings or the provision of protective fencing), provided that the maximum payments in any period of 3 years does not exceed £9,000.

4.  The definition of “the Commission Regulation” has been amended.