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The INHFA has called on the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht to recognise the cost of land designation.
The group has made its pre-budget submission to Minister Josepha Madigan and spokesperson Brendan Joyce stated that the “designating of the SAC and SPA areas has enforced real costs on farmers with these lands that has never being acknowledged by the Government”.
Joyce criticised the designation of land, saying that farmer buy-in had never been sought through proper engagement and strict designation guidelines controlled land use and costs many farmers money.
Actions
“Fencing has already been referred to as one action requiring consent but there are 38 others such as reopening a drain, spreading of lime, fertiliser or farm yard manure, topping, mulching or the use of a digger,” Joyce said.
“All of these are measures, which farmers may have to consult with the NPWS Ranger or in some cases apply for planning which at best slows down and undermines their day-to-day activity and ultimately their profitability.”
He said that the minister needs to step up and engage in talks on the issue of land designation.
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