Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for the presentation. One might say that farmers did not know where to go for four years. I have seen parts of Ireland in which farmers did not know where to go for the past 17 years because of designations. We know that down through the years farmers and nature lived hand-in-hand. Fundamental environmentalism and ridiculous legislation now mean that a farmer or bird can live in an area, but both will not survive. It is a sad statement to have to make about bad legislation and people, who did not know what they were talking about, making decisions.

Compensation was mentioned. If people want to sell their land, it is valueless. The witnesses and other groups have heard from auctioneers how land is being devalued in different parts of Ireland because of designations.

In Sligo a farmer on designated land, like that to which the witnesses referred, who was required to fence land where stakes were rotten had to get an appropriate environmental assessment and planning permission. A farmer in another field in Ireland can fence his or her land any day of the year. What is compensation? I have dealt with this issue for many years. Promises from organisations such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service will be made, but they will not deliver, as has been proven down through the years.

The sad reality is that in different parts of Ireland people's survival is now under threat. Unless politicians and the legislators in Europe wake up to this, we will face a revolt. I have heard farmers who live near me, as well farmers from elsewhere around the country, say it is a sad day when people decide to get rid of a bird because either they or the bird can stay, but not both. That did not happen when I was younger. We need to rectify the situation very quickly.

The witnesses are 100% correct. I have seen it right around the country. People not in designated areas do not realise the type of impositions that are being put on people. If one agrees with it, that is fine. Deputy Ó Cuív will say the agreement with farming organisations in 1997 was not worth the paper on which it was written. It was agreed that while a designation was in place, people would be compensated for it. I have read the agreement and can show it to the committee.

However, it has never been adhered to.

I urge the delegation to keep at it. In parts of Ireland, there is trouble over the single farm payment. I was in a field one day and one person from a Department was telling me to pull a furze bush and another person was telling me not to. The farmer was in the middle and did not know where to go. This demonstrates the bureaucracy that has featured. Politicians need to sort out something for the delegates and others who have designated land throughout the country. What is happening must not continue.