Environment

IFA Make Submission on Sterilised Land Around Abstraction Points

 

IFA has made a detailed submission to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on water abstraction.   The submission seeks the introduction of a national package of measures to mitigate yield and income losses borne by farmers when facilitating a water supply to towns and cities.

IFA Environment Chairman Thomas Cooney said, “Over the years farmers have allowed wells to be drilled on their lands to provide their neighbours with a water supply, which over time has been taken over by local authorities and now Irish Water. During that time increased restrictions have been imposed on farming activities in the vicinity of these abstraction points, which is leading to yield and income losses”.

“This issue has been addressed haphazardly and inequitably by local authorities. It is not acceptable that losses incurred are not made good, where farmers are facilitating and often providing the water supply, originally free of charge.”

Concluding Thomas Cooney said, “Irish Water and the Department must begin the process of developing an equitable package of measures, including compensation where losses arise due to water abstractions”.

Related Articles