A commitment has been given by Bord na Mona to engage with farm organisations to address the fears and concerns held by farmers when it comes to the rehabilitation project.
Having been contacted by countless farmers concerned about the maintenance of boundary drains once the rehabilitation of bogs had been completed, Fitzmaurice requested a meeting with BNM officials.
Following the meeting, the independent TD said: “Bord na Mona are committed to maintaining their land bank and boundary drains, and will continue to monitor the bogs even after the rehabilitation works have been completed.
“They noted that they are liaising with various farm organisations and community groups to allay any fears out there in relation to the rehabilitation project. With a designated community liaison officer, BNM are willing to openly engage with anyone who wishes to raise a question or concern.
“I am urging all of the farm organisation to come together and reach a written agreement with Bord na Mona which resolves the concerns of farmers neighbouring bogs which BNM intent to rehabilitate.
“While BNM openly admit that they will responsibly manage their land and drains moving forward and after the rehabilitation works have been completed – and I do not question the sincerity of this – I feel it would be prudent to have a written agreement in place, for both sides.
“Even though a problem may not arise immediately, what is to say it could not come to the fore in 10, 15 or 20 years’ time. At that stage, personnel currently in charge may have retired or moved on.
“Having a written agreement would bring a sense of clarity to the entire situation for both sides.”
Reflecting further on the meeting, Fitzmaurice added: “I was glad to hear assurances from the BNM representatives that all concerns are being taken on board.
“The point was made that the rehabilitation works on bogs where milled peat was harvested would be focused primarily on the drains within the production fields and that a buffer zone would be left between the boundary of neighbouring lands and the rehabilitation work itself – to ensure no water escapes the bog.
“The width of this buffer zone would be dependent on a number of factors, primarily relating to hydrology, specific to each bog.
“A commitment was also given that water pumps in place on BNM bogs would not be turned off it they are going to have a negative impact on adjoining lands.
“The representatives indicated that BNM has already rehabilitated circa 15,000ha of bog over the last few decades. Any issues which may arise down the line will be addressed, the representatives noted.
“Due to the impact of Covid-19, BNM’s consultation process has been significantly impacted – having originally hoped to go door to door to people living within a kilometre of the bogs where the work is to be done.
“However, they have a dedicated liaison officer and team which is open to addressing any concerns.
“Over the course of the consultation, I urge all of the farm organisations to come together as one to reach an agreement with Bord na Mona which will disperse any fears out there,” he concluded.
For further information contact Michael Fitzmaurice at 086-1914565