Farmers with burnt land in Gorthaganny ‘cannot be punished’ - Kerrane tells Minister
The scene of the devastating fire in the Gorthaganny area of West Roscommon. Pic. Adam Kaczmarek
Farmers whose land was burned following a huge fire in Gorthaganny last May should not be penalised with reduced farm payments, a Sinn Féin TD said this week.
Deputy Claire Kerrane has called on the Minister for Agriculture to ensure that his Department does not punish farmers in the Gorthaganny area of West Roscommon.
"It is unacceptable that farmers would lose even one red cent in farm payments due to burnt land,” stressed Deputy Kerrane.
"The horrific fire, one of the worst ever seen in the State, I would say, caused huge damage to the SAC, to land, to bog and to forestry,” she explained.
"There has already been a devastating financial blow for those affected. Farmers in Gorthaganny did not start the fire. They are not responsible and they should not be punished and be forced to pay the price for it,” she stressed.
"While I understand the new satellite mapping in the Department is advanced and has highlighted burnt land, I have asked the Minister for Agriculture that this be disregarded.
"Farmers have already lost out and the Minister should do right by them now, she said.
