Requests under Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation for detailed data and records relating to the cull of 51 cattle on a farm between Fivemiletown and Fintona at the end of June 2026, have all been turned down by DAERA.

Across nine different FOI requests received by the department, a lot of detailed information is sought, including records of all internal meetings in the run-up to the controversial cull, as well as internal correspondence after the event.

The names of decision-makers are also requested, as well as the total costs of the operation, how marksmen were selected, how many rounds of ammunition were discharged and whether any of the dead cattle ended up in the food chain.

A number of the requests also focus in on what Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir and his special adviser knew about the operation, and what their initial response was when first notified.

Response

In response to the requests, the department has effectively issued the same letter, pointing out that DAERA holds relevant information, but has decided not to release it at this stage, following a “public interest test” by officials.

This two-page public interest test does explore reasons why the information should be disclosed, including the importance of openness and transparency given the significant concerns about what happened.

However, it concludes that the greater public interest lies in protecting the integrity of the external review being conducted by former Irish chief vet, Dr Martin Blake.

“It is essential that the review is allowed to proceed independently and reach its conclusions without the risk of its work being undermined by the premature release of information,” states the document.

The closing date for anyone with relevant information to inform that review is 4pm on 15 September. Information should be sent to: Independent.review2026@gmail.com.

All information submitted will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection requirements and used only for the purposes of supporting the review.