EU habitats and birds directives negatively impact Irish farmers' livelihoods

An appeals process must be introduced to ensure fairness in compensating farmers whose livelihoods are negatively impacted by the EU’s habitats and birds directives, says IFA’s president, Eddie Downey.

Mr Downey has met with Heritage Minister, Heather Humphreys, to discuss compensation measures for the loss of earning and fall in land values incurred by farmers with designated lands.

He said EU directives have been in place in Ireland for nearly 20 years and have affected farm incomes and led to significant devaluation of property, impacting on development.