In the letter, the INHFA says the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, along with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have "failed in their obligations to farmers” under the Commonage Framework Plan (CFP) and the Natura Directives.

A review of the CFP was proposed to take place every five years. However, in the plan’s 16-year history, no such review has taken place, the INHFA said, raising the question of just how reliable are these old assessments when the Department is introducing new plans.

The INHFA says these implications have left farmers unable to “change the way they manage their commonage” and therefore leave farmers in danger of affecting their BPS. Members say these ongoing issues are causing a serious impact on their returns and leading to a “growing mistrust” between them and Government officials.

Raising concerns

The open letter also raises concerns a number of concerns for farmers, including the qualifications of agri-planners in assessing commonage lands from an environmental and habitat point of view, when the Commonage Management Plan will be introduced, how long this new plan will last for and if it is a farm plan or a plan to manage habitats.

INHFA has now called for an immediate meeting with Minister Humphreys and her Department, before meeting with the EU Commission at a later date.

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