A draft of the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan is expected to be ready by the end of this year. The plan aims to address the issue of afforestation in hen harrier Special Protected Areas (SPAs) and other matters.

“We understand from DAHRRGA that officials at that department will meet bilaterally and as a group with the key departments over the coming weeks to finalise a draft of the Threat Response Plan, which will then undergo a public consultation and screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment,” Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said in response to a parliamentary question from Joe Carey.

The development of the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan is being led by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DAHRRGA), with input from other key departments including the Department of Agriculture. An interdepartmental steering group was established in July 2014, and this group will produce the Threat Response Plan. It has met eight times since its formation.

Meanwhile, a separate consultative committee, chaired by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), includes representatives from the forestry, agriculture and wind farm sectors.

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Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan to be finalised in coming weeks

The plan, led by Minister Heather Humphreys's department, is expected to be finalised and opened for public consultation in the coming weeks.