Delays to hen harrier project ‘unacceptable’

Delays in developing the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan are unacceptable and severely damaging the image of the EU’s bio-diversity programme, Natura, among farmers.

That’s the view of IFA Farm Forestry Committee chairman Michael Fleming, who said farmers can no longer accept the no-planting policy in Hen Harrier special areas of conservation while the National Parks and Wildlife Service drag their feet developing the Threat Response Plan.

“It is almost two years since the forest management protocol for forestry in hen harrier Special Protection Areas was suspended by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

“The lack of progress is very frustrating for farmers, whose land has already been significantly devalued by the designation and who are now being denied an opportunity to earn an income,”” he said.

Mr Fleming said the National Parks and Wildlife Service has shown contempt for farmers in hen harrier Special Protection Areas and that UCC research shows there is no justification for the suspension of the Forest Management Protocol.