Volume II - Kildare.ie

9.7 AGRICULTURE
N7 Naas Road Widening & Interchanges Scheme
Mr. Ivan Whitten of Teagasc assessed the impact of the preferred scheme on the
agricultural land holdings along the N7. The assessment was based on field inspections
and speaking with the affected landowners.
Landtake areas for providing access roads, landscaping measures, traffic management
measures or drainage were not known at the time of meeting with the landowners and
hence will increase the land acquisition for a number of holdings over and above that
provided in the report.
9.7.1 IMPACT ON AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS
The proposed scheme will impact to varying degrees on 27 agricultural holdings
adjacent to the existing N7. The farming operations comprise of bloodstock, cattle and
sheep grazing, winter cereal production, and crop production. The range in land take
varies from farm to farm, from a maximum of approximately 30 acres to an
approximate minimum of 0.25 acres. Table 9.7.1 summarises the level of impact for
each holding. Seven of the holdings will be significantly affected in terms of landtake
and severance. Detailed information on each holding can be found in the report on the
‘Impact on Agriculture of N7 Naas Road Widening & Interchanges Scheme’ contained in
Volume 4 of this Statement.
9.7.2 ECONOMIC IMPACT OF LAND LOSS
There will be economic implications as a result of the subdivision of farms and
severance of part of the holding. The economic impact on the farms from the land loss
can be measured by reference to the gross margin income figure for respective farm
enterprises. This can vary a lot between farms and between farming enterprises. Both
the level of output and the intensity of farm operation have a major affect on the income
generated from a particular farm. The impact on livestock and tillage premia is not
measured as it can vary from year to year, and farm to farm. However, farmers can
adjust the applications to take account of the lower forage and tillage area available. All
farmers declare their land area for forage and tillage by means of an area aid application
each year. It is important that they are made aware of the exact area being taken and
when land take is going to take place so as all relevant changes can be made to update
and amend the most recent area aid application.
Environmental Impact Statement 139
June 2001
Volume 2