The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Co. Clare chair, Tom Lane met with senior officials in Clare County Council to discuss greenway plans and other issues facing farmers in the area.
The meeting in Ennis, led by chief executive Pat Dowling was part of the farm organisation’s “enough is enough” campaign.
The IFA is set to target county council meetings to highlight the frustration felt by farmers across the country.
Lane said the meeting mainly focused on the major programme of greenway developments planned in Co. Clare, as well as flooding around Lough Donnell, and developments for the Cliffs of Moher.
Greenway plans
Lane said the council briefed the IFA on greenway developments, and that the proposed Kilrush to Kilkee greenway is “advancing” and the council expect to announce the preferred route within the next two months.
He added that he “welcomed” the confirmation that all greenway developments in the county will follow the IFA code of practice, and that all developments will be eligible for the greenway sustainability payments.
The code of practice explains the procedures involved, including consultation; planning; and design and construction
The sustainability payment rates are based on five band lengths, with payments ranging from €67.50 per linear metre in band one to €40.90 in band five.
“The IFA delegation highlighted the need for greenway design to avoid farm severance and proceed on the basis of voluntary land acquisition agreements with farmer landowners,” Lane said.
He added that the IFA made it “clear” that it is opposed to any severance of farms or compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) for amenity projects like greenways.
Other issues
The issue of flooding on farmland in Lough Donnell was raised by Willie Hanrahan from Doonbeg.
He said the council “must undertake” mitigation measures to address the serious farmland flooding and water levels.
Lane said the IFA also raised “ongoing problems” and farmer concerns around the Cliffs of Moher.
“IFA is working with local farmers to try and address these issues and develop a new and positive programme which properly recognises and rewards farmers,” he said.