EU proposals smack of cultural imperialism - TD

Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen has said the Dail and Seanad should debate and reflect to the European Commission how bog re-wetting and land reclamation should be decided at regional levels. A one-size fits all plan currently being proposed by the European Parliament smacks of cultural imperialism, Mr Cowen said.

"The Proposal for a Regulation on Nature Restoration(2022/0195) dictates measures and the proposed new law has become mired, if not bogged down, at Commission and European Parliament level with politics. For Ireland, the proposals do not reflect the circumstances of Irish land usage, especially now in cities and towns where land is required for housing. The proposals reflect a Europe where neither economies nor populations are growing, unlike Ireland where we remain a driver of development and population in the EU."

"The proposals as they stand are European imperialism and do not take account of differing cultural phenomena in member countries, differing land use circumstances, differing population patterns, differing growth trajectories, differing housing needs."

"It has been remiss that there has not been a Dail and Seanad debate on the proposed new law. The law as proposed needs to reflect regional needs, one size will not fit all of Europe. I am proposing that the Dail and Seanad pass resolutions on the matter. It should remain a regional power to decide on the extent of rewetting of all lands, including reclaimed lands. Following Dail and Seanad resolutions, the Government should engage anew with the Commission on the Nature Restoration Law. Any funds established to compensate in case of harm done to holdings by re-wetting will not recognise the different efforts made by some farmers to have viable holdings. Again a one-size fund will not work. Instead a special damages panel should be established to assess the damage and negligence and compensate farmers accordingly as a legal action might, taking each individual circumstance into account."

"Regional power needs to be retained to assess housing lands in towns and cities. Our local authorities have just drawn up new development plans for the next periods of time. These were done to meet housing needs and should not be significantly interfered with now by EU planting or Commission green space proposals. Ireland needs that flexibility on housing to remain an engine for the EU on growth and population."