ICMSA: New regulations for routine land management make no sense

FARMERS say it makes no sense to impose planning regulations on routine daily maintenance of land drainage systems.

ICMSA deputy president John Comer said farmers want an appeals mechanism to accompany the EU-led legislation signed this week by Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

In particular, the ICMSA wants a detailed guidance document for the new laws, explaining the screening process in which an environmental impact assessment (EIA) would be required — potentially the most costly threat of the legislation.