We need a NAMA II to counteract the ill effects of environmental plunder and neglect

AS a young boy holidaying on my uncle’s small farm in Rhode, Co Offaly, I often accompanied him as he cleared overgrowth and silt build-up from the drains and streams around his land.

He was a part-time canal ranger with the Grand Canal Company and was responsible for inspecting and maintaining a section of the Grand Canal in good condition in order to avert any breaches in the banks that could cause possible flooding.

Regular bank inspections and maintenance was essential in order to prevent such breaches.