Flooding caused by bog rewetting “must be properly managed” - Mullooly
Local landowners say that some farmland has now flooded for the first time.
Midlands Northwest MEP Ciaran Mullooly has called for urgent action to protect farmers and property owners from what he said is flooding caused by Bord na Móna’s (BNM) bog rewetting activities.
Local landowners, including those in east Roscommon, are worried about the condition of rivers in the area which are tributaries of the River Shannon system. They say that some farmland has now flooded for the first time.
Mr Mullooly is urging that proper drainage management and oversight must be put in place before any rewetting proceeds.
He is meeting affected farmers and landowners in the Mountdillon region at a meeting in Ballyleague this morning, Tuesday.
“Firstly, it is important to be clear that there is no EU regulation that forces Bord na Móna to maintain existing drains,” Mr Mullooly said. “However, under the EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL), BNM is required to submit a comprehensive rehabilitation package to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) before any rewetting takes place.
“This package must include a drainage management plan for both the bog and the surrounding lands, along with a Hydrology and Risk Assessment under Article 9.4 of the NRL.” He stressed that these assessments must be made available to all affected farmers and property owners, and that if they are inadequate, they must be amended to properly address the risks of flooding.
The Midlands–North-West MEP is also calling for the establishment of an independent appeals process to allow farmers and property owners to challenge BNM actions -or inaction - where it can be shown that their land is being negatively affected by poor drainage or water management linked to rewetting projects.
“Rewetting must not become a free pass for flooding farmland,” Mullooly added. “We need clear accountability, transparency, and a fair system for local communities to have their concerns addressed. Farmers should not be left to carry the cost of poor planning or inadequate hydrology management.” Mullooly said he will be raising the issue directly with the relevant national and EU authorities to ensure proper oversight and fair treatment for affected communities.
The Midlands Northwest MEP has also welcomed the decision of the Minister of State, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, to visit flooded farmland along the River Shannon on Saturday.
