Farmers’ fury over latest land row

A SPATE of conservation notices served on farmers has sparked off another round in the bitter battle between land owners and the Government over proposed controls on land use in sensitive areas of the country.

Thousands of land owners have received notification of intention to designate land under their ownership or control as Special Areas of Conservation for the preservation of habitat for certain species of wild life.

There has been furious reaction from farmers. Many argue that it may no longer be viable to farm the land because of the restrictions.

Environment Minister, Martin Cullen TD has been drawn into the battle between the farmers and Duchas, with farmers claiming they received an undertaking from the Minister that no further action would be taken on land designation prior to agreement with farmers on the terms.

Farmers this week threatened that they would be prepared to “go to jail” before they will accept controls which could force them out of business.

IFA President, John Dillon has called on Minister Cullen to immediately withdraw all the recent designations imposed on farmers in river margin areas, until a satisfactory conclusion to discussions with his Department on SAC regulations.

Notices have been posted at the entrances to hundreds of farms threatened with designation, warning officials of Duchas that they are not welcome and to keep off the land.