We cannot afford to kill off Ireland

SOUTH WEST Ireland has the potential to become a world-class walking and nature holiday destination, generating considerable economic rewards. However, there are several factors threatening eco-tourism.

As a nature-tour specialist, having lived and travelled extensively in rural Europe, it is clear to me that Ireland has developed a significant problem with its connection with nature. Word is spreading and tourists are being deterred. The widespread use of weed-killer in private gardens, roadsides, gateways and agricultural fields is a clear indicator of the problem.

This practice is damaging to health, biodiversity and Ireland’s green image. It deserves to be seen as antisocial, lazy, unsightly and misguided.

Chemical companies have successfully duped us away from traditional methods that worked more in tune with nature.

Farmers elsewhere recognise this. Yet why have we become so (self) destructive as a nation?

Another huge yet unchallenged problem is the illegal burning of land after March 1 during the breeding season for birds and wildlife. Rich habitats are in everyone’s interest. For all of our sakes, we cannot afford to be killing Ireland.

Jim Murphy

Neustift

Austria