123 Mr. Morley asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the areas designated to date as national heritage areas in County Mayo; if the local farmers in each area were notified by letter by the Office of Public Works in respect of such designation; if so, the date on which they were so notified; the number of letters that were sent out; if it is intended to make further additions to the current list; if such designation will impose restrictions on farming activities; and if so, if the farmers concerned will be compensated. [13500/96]

I have not yet designated any natural heritage areas and do not propose to make any such designations until the Oireachtas has passed an amendment to the Wildlife Act, 1976. I anticipate that I will be in a position to bring the matter before this House in the autumn.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, has advertised the areas proposed for designation as part of the consultation process. Public notification took place through the provincial newspapers and advertisements were placed in The Connaught Telegraph, The Mayo News and The Western People on 14 December 1994.

The Bill to amend the Wildlife Act, 1976, will set out the requirements for NHAs and the question of compensation if any will have to be viewed in the light of those requirements. Provision will be made for the notification, where possible, of landowners in the areas which are proposed for designation as NHAs.