The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) has raised concerns with the funding of Ireland's national restoration plan as part of obligations under the Nature Restoration Law (NRL).
This comes following the recent announcement by Minister Darragh O'Brien to take funding from the infrastructure, climate and nature fund for the proposed metro link to Dublin Airport.
INHFA national president Vincent Roddy has questioned “where the money to support farmers is going to come from”.
“Through the development of the NRL we saw massive support in Dáil Eireann and from many of our MEPs,” he said.
“However, when questioned about the funding of the law, (despite a high level of uncertainty) many were adamant that funding would be there, often pointing to the infrastructure, climate and nature fund as a possible source.
“We are looking at a very ambitious plan that will impose massive demands on farmers, but no guarantee on funding, or in simpler terms a Rolls Royce plan with a Lada budget.”
Funding
Land designations were introduced in 1997. The INHFA said that these designations have “crucified landowners and farmers through unreasonable restrictions that failed not only the farmers but also in the ambition to protect the various habitats”.
Roddy called on the Government and Minister for Housing to supply a comprehensive budget to fulfil requirements under the NRL.
"If the Government and minister are going to rob a fund that everyone assumed was to support farmers it is now vital that they show us what funding is available and where it is going to come from,” he added.
“If this can’t be done, then the national restoration plan needs to be put on hold until such time as we know what funding is available.
“This must not happen again and we are now calling on the Government and all those that backed the NRL to deliver on your promises and a budget.”
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