Northern Ireland's Agriculture Department has recognised its role in protecting the province's rural roads and overseeing development scheme.

Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew said her officials would work alongside Roads Service in the planning and implementation of projects in the countryside.

"Our main focus will be on helping farm businesses to adapt once it is confirmed how and when they will be affected," she said.

"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."

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Conscious of the pressures placed on farms following the announcement of rural development schemes, the Minister said: "The planning and consultation phase of such schemes can be a stressful time for farmers and their families."

Discussing her correspondence with other Ministers on this issue, Ms Gildernew added: "I have written to my Executive colleague, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy on several occasions regarding the impact of upcoming roads schemes."

She said Mr Murphy confirmed that Roads Service is working with the Ulster Farmers’ Union to develop a suitable code of practice.

"Similar correspondence between myself and the then Finance 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," added Minister Gildernew.

(PR/KMcA)