LPIS penalties may be challenged legally

Farmers came together in West Cork last night to consider a legal challenge against penalties of up to 100% of their single farm payment for alleged overclaims, arising from the land parcel (LPIS) review.

At a meeting in Bantry organised by the West Cork branch of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), and the West Cork Communities Alliance, ICSA West Cork chairman Dermot Kelleher said the alleged overclaims are seen as an unfair attack on farmers in disadvantaged areas.

“While there is a Department appeals process, the whole process is unjust because farmers are essentially being penalised for farming marginal ground. In addition, the prospect of retrospective penalties is outrageous and cannot be contemplated.”