Buffer zones plan to exclude cattle from streams, rivers and lakes

Buffer zones to exclude cattle from streams, rivers and lakes are being sought by the Friends of the Irish Environment.

It follows the closure of beaches and the prohibition of swimming in a number of locations this summer.

The West Cork-based group pointed out that Denmark introduced a 10m buffer zone along streams, rivers, and lakes in 2011.

But the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association claimed any such move in Ireland could cost in the region of €3.5bn.

Rural Development Committee chairman John Barron asked how the proposal could be realistically funded.

“It is plain to see that this is a completely unrealistic and unworkable proposal. There would be a far better return from upgrading sewage treatment infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Barron said the move would effectively decommission thousands of hectares of productive Irish farmland at an enormous cost.

“ICSA estimates that the loss of this ground would represent a loss of up to €3.5bn worth of agricultural land and there would be an additional cost associated with fencing it off.,” he said.

However, the Friends of the Irish Environment said climate change suggests there will be more flooding in the coming years.

This would exacerbate the problem of faecal contamination of not only our best beaches but of Ireland’s reputation as a safe and clean destination.

The group noted that under current regulations there is no exclusion zone for cattle from our rivers and streams and lakes.

It said Teagasc recently investigated the factors which influence the willingness of farmers to provide a riparian buffer zone in catchments across Ireland. Fewer than half of the farmers surveyed were willing to accept zones at the level of payments suggested, the group said.