Denis Cremins, Knocknagoshel, Co Kerry

DEAR SIR: I refer to Dr Joanne O’Brien’s letter dated 14 June 2014. In her letter, she displays blatant naivety as regards landowners’ current situation.

While it cannot be denied that SPAs have brought some financial support to farmers, it is misguided to suggest that financial gain alone should compensate for the precarious future many farmers face.

ADVERTISEMENT

Many landowners have claimed that the deeds to their lands have, in effect, become worthless once they are classified as an SPA for the hen harrier. Much of the designated land is not fit for any agricultural purpose other than forestry and, as a result, a lot of my land is lying idle in the middle of productive forests, unable to be farmed or planted.

In addition, it is about time that there was some form of joined-up thinking between the Departments of Agriculture and Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The lack of communication is one of the major roadblocks to progress on this issue.

The current situation is unacceptable and it means that I, and many others, are prohibited from earning a fair economic return.