Independent TDs to host public meeting on proposed EU Nature Restoration Laws

Independent TDs, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, Deputy Marian Harkin and Deputy Michael McNamara, will host a significant public meeting to address the Nature Restoration Laws proposed by the EU this weekend.

The meeting will focus on the specific aspect of land re-wetting and will take place at the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe on Sunday, July 9 at 1pm.

All MEPs have been invited to attend the meeting. The gathering will be moderated by Pat O'Toole of the Irish Farmers Journal, and representatives from farming organizations have also been invited to speak. A legal expert will be present to provide a legal opinion on the proposed laws.

Deputy Fitzmaurice has been vocal in his opposition to these proposed measures, describing them as a 'reckless regulation' that could have severe consequences for Ireland's agricultural sector. He argues that these strategies might result in the depopulation of rural Ireland, leading to a mass exodus to urban areas.

"Imagine the implications if our lands are subjected to re-wetting. While we may be able to relocate to the cities, what about the local shops, hardware stores, meal merchants, and contractors? They won't be able to operate in those areas anymore, and their reliance on EU subsidies will diminish," said Deputy Fitzmaurice.

He emphasised that the re-wetting proposals go beyond the physical land itself; they directly impact the lives and communities that depend on this land for their survival. The potential consequences of such plans are significant, with the potential to render large agricultural areas in rural Ireland unusable.

Given the gravity and scale of these issues, Deputy Fitzmaurice stressed the need for a united show of support for farmers and rural communities. This public meeting will serve as a crucial platform to gather the opinions of those most affected.

The significance of the meeting was highlighted by Deputy Fitzmaurice: "We face an uncertain future, especially in agriculture. If we fail to take proactive measures in our rural areas, we risk being left behind." He is inviting all those concerned about the future of agriculture and rural life in Ireland to participate.

"Discussing CAP measures becomes irrelevant when families are compelled to re-wet their lands, forcing them to leave. If there are land use policies that restrict operations in certain parts of the country, arguing about CAP becomes unnecessary because we will have already lost the people living in those areas."

This public meeting presents an opportunity for rural Ireland to voice its opposition to policies that endanger their traditional way of life.