Farmers' protest Extension of conservation restrictions to be resisted
The restrictions are backed by the Department of the Environment and could affect 50,000 acres of land on the banks of the River Shannon.
The Irish Farmers Association has said that the move to extend the area of land already covered by tight environmental regulations - Special Areas of Conservation - will lead to confrontation with officials of Duchas, the Heritage Service, and will be resisted by the landowners.
Seven hundred farmers in the area this morning began erecting signs, saying that they will ban officials from Duchas from entering their lands.
Cullen's actions a breach of faith: IFA
Speaking at the launch of the campaign by farmers on the banks of the River Shannon in County Galway, IFA President John Dillon said that the Minister for Environment, Martin Cullen's recent actions in designating further sites while sensitive negotiations were taking place was a breach of faith.
"Farmers now have no other choice but to prevent access by Duchas onto their lands until meaningful procedures are put in place in regard to proper notification and making good the income and development losses on lands which are designated.
"Current compensation levels are inadequate to meet the losses arising from farming and planning restrictions as a result of a designation," he said.
