Healy-Rae criticises €633k satellite ‘persecution’ of farmers over claims

The Department of Agriculture has spent over €633,000 this year analysing satellite images of rocks, rushes, and scrubland to see if land not being actively farmed is included in claims for farm payment schemes in disadvantaged areas.

The cost and the process have been criticised by a TD who says farmers are under enough pressure.

Michael Healy-Rae said farmers in the South- West, which he believes has been the focus of satellite scrutiny this year, cannot get out to cut rushes because of the weather.