Local TD Seán Canney has called on the Government to build trust with farmers where land is designated for up to 26 years.
Canney, along with TDs Denis Naughten and Carol Nolan recently met Minister Malcolm Noonan and an IFA team to try to instil a sense of urgency and commitment to put a long-term model in place.
The Minister expressed the view that permanent funding is required and confirmed that he is working towards this.
It is expected that a permanent funding model will be in place within two years.
IFA representatives, Pat Murphy, chair of the project team for Designation, and Charlie Killeen, a long-time campaigner, expressed concern that there were two agreements already in place which were never honoured.
In conclusion the Minister vowed to work with farmers and welcomed the fact that the IFA had a dedicated Project Team that the Department can work with.
“There is a lot of work to be done yet and a lot of trust to be built and the onus is on the Minister and Government to demonstrate that the day of false promises are over and direct supports will be provided to farmers with designated lands especially along the Shannon callows,” said Deputy Canney.
