AS people tuck into mountains of smoked salmon — most of which is the farmed variety — over the festive season, the wild Atlantic salmon will continue its long battle for survival.

SOME angler friends tell us they are seeing otters in rivers where they have been very scarce, if observed at all, for many years.

MUSSEL farmers have warned the Government that a decade-long delay in processing 500 aquaculture licence applications is preventing the creation of much needed jobs.

TURF CUTTERS representing 6,000 families hit by a ban on the non-commercial cutting of raised bogs have vowed to fight the measure all the way — even if it lands them behind bars.

TAXPAYERS are willing to pay farmers to maintain the landscape and biodiversity values of their farms in the Burren region of Co Clare, according to a new survey.

TURF cutting on designated raised bogs must be continued for domestic purposes, according to the Irish Farmers Association.

MEMBER STATES are not expected to implement “excessive costly” Water Framework Directive (WFD) measures, said speakers at a recent conference where the effect on farming of the EU’s follow-up to the nitrates directive was discussed.

IRELAND has a moral and legal obligation to protect the Burren’s wildlife habitats and biodiversity, Environment Minister John Gormley said yesterday.

Donal Hickey sees new hope for Ireland’s bogland

THE preservation of the Burren in Co Clare, one of the most important landscapes in Europe with a wealth of natural and cultural heritage, will be discussed at a three-day international conference in Ennistymon at the end of this month.

Donal Hickey examines changes to the REPS scheme.

THE saga surrounding the building of golf links in sensitive dune and coastal areas continues, amid concerns about damage to a fragile environment and wildlife habitat.

FAMILY members wishing to build houses on their own land are to be given planning permission where possible, Kerry county manager Martin Riordan said yesterday.

Environment Minister Martin Cullen has published planning guidelines that are expected to see controversial wind farms constructed in protected areas.

The Government is reportedly set to allow wind farms to be built in areas protected because of their scenic beauty or the presence of rare species.