Kilkenny farmer Edward Butler’s case shines a bright light for every farmer that has uninvited guests with dogs coming onto farmland.
We have published and recounted numerous such incidents down through the years from all parts of the country (see Pat O’Toole page 14). The stress on individual farmers and animals can be intense.
Given what has happened to Edward and countless other farmers, many feel closing private land to people would and should be a logical next step.
Respect
Interestingly, Butler says this is not about closing farmland but respect for others’ property.
He is adamant a change of law that would put the onus on the trespasser to prove they had permission could be a game changer.
For someone that has gone through severe torment on numerous occasions, we can only salute Butler, support this viewpoint, and admire his courage, resilience and leadership qualities for taking such a pragmatic stance.
There are lessons to be learned for many farmers in how Butler has dealt with the matter. The whole case makes for essential reading for anyone that is in or has been in this position with uninvited people coming onto their farmland.
Clear differences emerge in Irish nitrates approach
Irish MEP Barry Cowen clearly feels the journey that Minister Heydon is taking the Irish Nitrates Derogation application on is not the right way forward (see p27). It is alarming to see the stark difference of opinion from two very experienced politicians.
If nothing else, farmers should be very worried. Clearly Cowen feels that going down the catchment or sub catchment ‘Appropriate Assessment’ road will bring all farms, irrespective of ‘derogation’ status, into the net.
Based on any practical and sensible legal or informed analysis of Appropriate Assessment, it is hard to argue with Cowen’s viewpoint.
The minister made it clear to us in person last week that he has no commitments from the European Commission if they will accept what he is proposing or has proposed at this stage. Farmers continue to wait to learn their fate.
Kilkenny farmer Edward Butler’s case shines a bright light for every farmer that has uninvited guests with dogs coming onto farmland.
We have published and recounted numerous such incidents down through the years from all parts of the country (see Pat O’Toole page 14). The stress on individual farmers and animals can be intense.
Given what has happened to Edward and countless other farmers, many feel closing private land to people would and should be a logical next step.
Respect
Interestingly, Butler says this is not about closing farmland but respect for others’ property.
He is adamant a change of law that would put the onus on the trespasser to prove they had permission could be a game changer.
For someone that has gone through severe torment on numerous occasions, we can only salute Butler, support this viewpoint, and admire his courage, resilience and leadership qualities for taking such a pragmatic stance.
There are lessons to be learned for many farmers in how Butler has dealt with the matter. The whole case makes for essential reading for anyone that is in or has been in this position with uninvited people coming onto their farmland.
Clear differences emerge in Irish nitrates approach
Irish MEP Barry Cowen clearly feels the journey that Minister Heydon is taking the Irish Nitrates Derogation application on is not the right way forward (see p27). It is alarming to see the stark difference of opinion from two very experienced politicians.
If nothing else, farmers should be very worried. Clearly Cowen feels that going down the catchment or sub catchment ‘Appropriate Assessment’ road will bring all farms, irrespective of ‘derogation’ status, into the net.
Based on any practical and sensible legal or informed analysis of Appropriate Assessment, it is hard to argue with Cowen’s viewpoint.
The minister made it clear to us in person last week that he has no commitments from the European Commission if they will accept what he is proposing or has proposed at this stage. Farmers continue to wait to learn their fate.
SHARING OPTIONS