IFA Accused Of Wrongly Asserting That The NPWS Was Blocking Dredging Of Rivers

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has been accused of wrongly asserting that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) was blocking dredging of rivers that were flooded earlier in the year.

Green Party spokesperson for Environment Cllr Micheal Noonan said the EU has stated quite clearly that works to alleviate flooding could be carried out by member States.

He said: "However most experts now agree that not only will dredging not work but that it may worsen the problem in the long run. The next Government needs to work with landowners to develop ecological catchment management solutions that are proven and would go to improve SAC's as well."


The Green Party also called on Minister for Heritage Heather Humphreys to intervene in the dispute that may prevent (NPWS) staff and members of Birdwatch Ireland from entering farmland because of unpaid compensation payments to farmers. The Party also called on the IFA to engage with the NPWS and Birdwatch Ireland to ensure no rift between conservation interests and the farming community develops.

Cllr Noonan continued: "Banning Wildlife Rangers and Birdwatch conservation staff from working farms will lead to a conflict between conservation efforts and farmers. While we support farmers’ rights to compensation due to restricted productivity on their land to protect certain species, we feel that the IFA action will not serve the needs of farmers in the long run. It's important that farmers receive the payments they are due, but this action is not the way to bring that situation about."

(CD)