Farmers rebel against Duchas designations
Limerick IFA have challenged the notices which, they claim, run contrary to undertakings they had received from Environment Minister Martin Cullen.
Limerick IFA Chairman Michael O’Flynn has advised farmers to return the letters to Duchas, and order them to keep out of the area.
“We had a meeting with Minister Cullen and were given an assurance that all action by Duchas was suspended until agreement is reached between farmers and the Government on designations. I am questioning what authority Duchas has to issue notices to any farmer, after farmers were told that the organisation is to be replaced”, said Mr O’Flynn.
“Duchas are acting like jumped up little Hitlers to drive farmers out of business, but I want to assure them that it is not going to be accepted by farmers. Farmers have been told blatant lies by Duchas”, he said.
“In east Limerick, they are now prepared to drive farmers out of business, to protect an eel. Farmers have to be allowed to earn a living, but if Duchas got their way, they’d be forced out”, he said.
He explained that Duchas proposes to place preservation orders on entire fields, restricting their use for farming, because they adjoin a river.
