Comiskey welcomes recommendations of review on Commonage Lands

Fine Gael Sligo/Leitrim Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture, Michael Comiskey, today (Thursday) welcomed the launch of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine ‘Review of Commonage Lands and Framework Management Plans’. The Review focuses on recent recommendations from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

“In recent years, concerns have been raised regarding the under-grazing and land abandonment of these lands and there is a fear that this may result in EU financial corrections being imposed. As a result, in July 2011 the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, announced plans to increase the stocking rates of commonages. It is estimated that 7% of land is held in commonage primarily along the west coast.

“The Committee has spent a considerable amount of time engaging with individuals and stakeholders to determine how best to address the concerns of commonage holders and ensure that commonage lands remain in, or are returned to, their optimum conditions.

“The recommendations in the report are intended to provide a roadmap to safeguard and enhance commonages, while drawing on best practice from examples of successful management of these lands.

“Central to the proposals is the recommendation that an individual approach be taken in relation to commonages. Every management scheme must be based upon the unique characteristics of that particular commonage.

“In commonages where over-stocking may be an issue, the Committee recommends that compensation over and above the Single Farm Payment be paid to farmers to meet requirements. One further recommendation is to extend the dates for controlled burning particularly in upland areas.

“I hope the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, together with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, will take the findings of the review into account when formulating policy in respect of commonages.”