An Taisce’s ongoing appeal against the High Court judgement on planning permission for the Glanbia cheese plant at Belview, Co Kilkenny, is an indication of what lies ahead, head of the advocacy group Ian Lumley has told the Irish Famers Journal.

“An Taisce will be very active on pursuing legal compliance across all industries and sectors. We need to take climate action now,” Lumley said.

Total contradiction

An Taisce said the Taoiseach’s comments in the Dáil on Tuesday, calling for a reverse on the High Court appeal led to a spike in donations and membership numbers for the organisation.

“The Taoiseach’s intervention has been significantly noted at EU level and has become of serious concern for EU environmental organisations,” Lumley continued.

“The call to reverse our appeal is a total contradiction. Politicians are speaking out of both sides of their mouths with these calls. Micheál Martin called for the people to go against an An Bord Pleanála decision to allow an incinerator to be built in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.

“When it suits them, they have no problem going against planning boards but when it’s popular among voters they’re willing to turn 180 degrees.”

Better options

Lumley, who has a background in farming, believes more needs to be done on offering farmers better retirement options.

“I spent a lot of time on my cousin’s farm while growing up. I’m old enough to remember the first milking machine arrive on farm in Co Kilkenny.

“My cousins are all either getting out of farming or moving into dairy. I have cousins who are Glanbia suppliers.”