ICSA general secretary Eddie Punch has called on Minister McConalogue to review the disastrous decision to replace the Burren Programme with the generic ACRES Co-operation scheme. “The Minister is risking undermining the incredible progress made in regenerating the Burren as a world leading example of how nature restoration and livestock farming can exist in harmony.”

“It would be an incredible act of self-harm to set back all the progress made in the Burren. The Burren is an integral part of how we can showcase Irish cattle farming to international audiences, but it is also incredibly important for the diversity of flora and fauna.

This has only been possible by ensuring that farmers don’t under graze or overgraze, and that grazing is managed both during summer and winter. This has required very specific supports for farmers, which have been delivered based on real consultation with farmers and finding solutions based on feedback.”

Mr Punch said he is calling on Minister McConalogue to listen to the concerns of Burren Programme co-founders Brendan Dunford and Sharon Parr who have stated that they could not stand over the proposed new scheme. “The minister must hear their concerns, and he must act on those concerns. They have shown that results-based programmes can work – but this is contingent on a real level of engagement and consultation with the farmers on the ground. This is a lesson that the Minister and his department need to learn.”  

“I am now calling on Minister McConalogue to stand up for the excellent outcomes achieved so far with the Burren Programme and for him to give a guarantee that this good work can continue. The best way to do this is to re-establish the Burren Programme or else to integrate its key features, including payment options, into the ACRES scheme.”

“The priority must be to build on the good work that has been done, not consign it to history,” he said.