SHEEP FARMERS OPPOSE NEPHIN NATIONAL PARK PLAN
25 September 1996
Traditional customs being put at risk
By TOM GILLESPIE
SHEEP FARMERS on the Nephin Range are opposed to a multi-million pound plan by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to transform the area into the country's largest National Park.Concerned Ballycroy farmers fear their livelihoods will be put at risk if the plan goes ahead. Already the OPW has purchased portion of the 60,000 acres needed for the facility and the farmers believed they will be forced out for their traditional practices.
The landowners have written to all public representatives pointing out that thirty per cent of Ballycroy farmers are dependent on the Nephin Range for their survival.
Mr. Michael Conway (Wm), of River View, Shranamonragh, Ballycroy, a spokesman for the group, said he had read the recent published study on the National Park with interest and misgivings.
He said: "It's chief aims, apparently are to conserve this unique scenery and heritage along with its strong social and cultural identity, by means of legislation and planning controls, while at the same time giving the area an economic and tourist boost.
"Most people would agree with this but with certain reservations.
"I agree that there has been limited damage to bog flora and habitat especially at the Southern end of the study area.
"But there is still a vast area of unspoilt mountain for grazing by hard-working conscientious sheep farmers who are proud of their flocks and have the foresight, in their own interests, that it remains so." Mr. Conway said the OPW had purchased large areas of land with a view to establishing a National Park.
But he asked: "Where will this leave the traditional sheep farmers, who have lived there for generations and who owing to the limited terrain cannot adopt or change to other farming methods.
"Their livelihoods are at risk. These farmers have been unable to increase their holdings in recent years because of the higher prices offered by the OPW and Coillte, who with the benefit of taxpayers money could afford to buy large tracts of mountain, and may I add, not at public auction.
"It is obvious that the local farmer is a victim of unfair competition." Mr. Conway said the grazing restrictions imposed by the OPW, however, good their intentions of preservations, together with the planned ending or phasing out of sheep headage payments towards the end of this century would see the decline of mountain sheep farmers and with it a great traditional and cultural identity.
He added: "Perhaps we will see the return of the red deer roaming the mountains and being hunted by wealthy 'gentlemen' and foreigners taking a break from their own polluted and ravaged countries.
"The construction of a heritage centre may give a badly needed boost to local employment in this part of Mayo and that indeed would be welcome.
"But what would the tourist come to see?. In my opinion, the key tourist attraction of any place are its local traditions and customs."
Connaught Telegraph - News - September 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - September 1996
