A Kerry MEP says it is illogical and unfair to penalise farmers whose lands were burned during the Killarney National Park fires in April.
The blaze, which started in the state-owned park impacted 2,000 hectares and spread to adjoining farmland; a garda investigation found no evidence of criminality in how the fire started.
The Department of Agriculture says lands burned between the period of 1 March and 31 August isn’t eligible for payment under the EU Basic Payment Scheme; farmers can appeal the decision.
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Ireland South Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says he has contacted the European Commission on the issue as this approach is not taken in other countries where accidental wildfires occur:
