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Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy has called for an end to a forestry “land grab” in Co Leitrim.
The Midlands–Northwest representative said farmers were being priced out of available land by foreign corporations and vultures funds availing of government and EU grants, tax breaks and low-cost loans.
“Rather than helping the environment, forests in Leitrim have become ecological dead zones. Peatland and animal nesting grounds have been transformed into fast-growing Sitka plantations subjected to clear-felling,” said Carthy.
Policy
As a result of the forest strategy pursued by both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, the local community in Leitrim has suffered while watching the county change beyond recognition, according to Carthy.
A public meeting called 'Fighting the land grab!' has been organised for Thursday 21 March and will take place in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon.
Kelsey Perlman of FERN, an EU-level organisation dedicated to protecting forests as well as the rights of communities living close to them, has been invited to speak at the event.
According to a report published by the organisation, the forest policy employed in Leitrim is an example of worst practise across 11 EU member states.
Sligo-Leitrim TD Martin Kenny will also contribute to the event and will focus on the current Irish forestry policy.
Delivery
“Thursday’s event is an opportunity to inform the public about policies at a national and European level and how they can be changed," said Carthy.
"The policies pursued by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have caused damage that won’t be easily undone.
"So, we have to start by putting an end to the current land grab and proceed to delivering a forestry strategy that works for the environment, for the local economy and for communities.”
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