Call for Charter of Rights agreement for farmers and council in relation to farm inspections

A CALL for a Charter of Rights agreement to be established between local farmers and Meath Co Council in relation to farm inspections has been made by Cllr Mike Bray.

Cllr Bray raised the matter with council management during the October’s meeting of Meath Co Council.

“A number of years ago the Department of Agriculture established a charter of rights with the IFA and other farm organisations to protect and guide farmers in relation to on-farm inspections.

“As part of the ongoing Water Framework Directive, Meath Co Council are commencing inspections of farms along the river catchment areas identified as part of this project to improve water quality in our local streams and rivers.

“However in recent days, numerous local farmers have been given only two weeks' written notice to provide documentation in advance of inspections on their farms. As part of these inspections, farmers are being given a long and detailed list of requirements to be put in place in advance of these inspections."

He said the two week notice is far too short given the scale of documentation required for these farm inspections.

“This has caused concern and worry to local farmers given the lack of engagement in advance of this and the short period of notice given.

“Many of the farmers who received notice are part time and work other jobs so they would struggle to meet the short deadline given by the council.

“I am asking Meath Co Council to establish a charter at a local level with local farmers and the IFA similar to the one created at national level for farm inspections.

“This is also the first-time local farmers are being inspected under the Water Framework Directive, therefore, these farmers have no prior experience in preparing for these inspections.

“If such guidelines and a charter is put in place it will give peace of mind to farmers in advance of inspections by the local authority. It will also improve the efficiency of the work being carried out by the council.

“At the end of the day the overall goal is to improve our local rivers and environment which is to everyone's benefit so I am calling on all parties to meet to work together on establishing such a charter,” concluded Cllr Mike Bray.