IFA to Hold Regional Meetings on Nature Restoration Law

IFA will hold three regional meetings in the coming weeks to coincide with the launch of the Government’s public consultation process on Ireland’s draft plan to implement the EU Nature Restoration Law. 

IFA President Francie Gorman said the implementation of the EU law could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of farmers across the country.

“A report from the Independent Advisory Committee on implementing the law in Ireland has gone to Cabinet, but there is no budget allocated for its delivery,” he said.

“We are inviting farmers to these meetings to hear directly from those responsible for developing the draft Nature Restoration Plan, and to understand what it could mean for your farm business. Local politicians will also be invited,” he said.

Senior officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), who are leading the development of the Plan, will address the meetings.

“This will give farmers an opportunity to hear directly what is being proposed and to provide feedback as part of the public consultation process,” he said.

“Farmers, understandably, are fearful of what this will mean for their farm business. The Nature Restoration Plan must be fully funded, led by the State on public land first and delivered through voluntary, well-supported measures in genuine partnership with farmers.”

The first meeting takes place on June 3rd in The Heights Hotel in Killarney; the second meeting will be in The Landmark Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon on June 4th; with the final one in the Tullamore Court Hotel on June 10th.