Farmers at ‘breaking point’ due to delays in forestry applications
The IFA National Farm Forestry Chairman Vincent Nally has claimed this week that farmers are at breaking point with the delays and additional costs associated with getting grants or licences approved for forestry applications. Mr Nally has also claimed that the current system is not working for farmers some of…
Fitzmaurice critical of Hogan’s suggestion that suckler farmers diversify to forestry, biomass
An Independent TD is hitting out at the European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan for suggesting that farmers in the west should be encouraged to switch from sucklers to forestry or biomass production. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice says not all land in the west is suitable for forestry or biomass production.…
Cllr calls for moratorium on afforestation in Leitrim
A Leitrim independent councillor is calling for an immediate moratorium to be placed on afforestation projects in the county. Drumshanbo based councillor, and local election candidate, Gerry Dolan has also called on Leitrim County Council to recognise the campaign to change forestry policy. Councillor Dolan says Minister Andrew Doyle should…
Leitrim IFA not happy with study to be undertaken on forestry in the county
The Chairman of the IFA in Leitrim has expressed his disappointment with the minister at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew for falling to act on suggestions provided by the IFA in the county in relation to the terms of reference for a study on forestry. James…
Department issues terms of reference for study of forestry in Leitrim
The Department of Agriculture has announced the terms of reference for a study of forestry in County Leitrim. The study will assess the social and economic impacts of forestry as well as the impact on farm incomes relative to other types of farming. The study will also consider the non-timber…
Study of forestry in Leitrim to be carried out
The IFA has welcomed the news that the government will fund a study by UCD to assess the social, economic and environmental impact of afforestation in Co. Leitrim. The carrying out of such a study had been proposed by Leitrim IFA and was adopted as policy by IFA’s National Council.…
MEP slams forestry policy
An Independent MEP has blasted Commissioner Phil Hogan on the controversial forestry policy which he says has had serious implications for Co Leitrim. A forestry report completed in 2017 shows that Leitrim has the highest percentage of forest cover in the country at 18%. The EU says the main aim…