UFU to challenge DAERA in Stormont over Fivemiletown enforcement operation
A senior delegation from the Ulster Farmers’ Union will attend Monday’s meeting of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee to support them in seeking clear answers from DAERA officials following the enforcement operation near Fivemiletown that has sent shockwaves through Northern Ireland’s farming community.
Since becoming aware of the incident, the UFU has communicated with members from every sector of agriculture, all expressing deep concern over the manner in which the operation was carried out. In response, the Union has formally met with DAERA officials and called for full transparency and accountability, demanding that the Department’s independent review is completed and published without delay.
Monday’s Committee meeting represents an opportunity for the Union to hear directly from DAERA with the UFU delegation attending on behalf of its membership to seek clear answers, challenge the decisions taken and ensure the voice of Northern Ireland’s farming community is heard at the highest level.
UFU President John McLenaghan said, “As a union we have been shocked, angered and deeply distressed by this incident. The strength of feeling across our membership is unlike anything we have witnessed for many years, and it is our responsibility as the Ulster Farmers’ Union to ensure those concerns are heard loud and clear.
“We will be attending the AERA Committee on behalf of our members to ensure MLAs feel supported in scrutinising DAERA about its decisions. This is not about speculation or assumptions, it is about accountability. Farmers deserve a full explanation of how these decisions were reached, who authorised them and whether every possible alternative was properly considered.
Mr McLenaghan also acknowledged the effect the incident has had on the general public and the industries wider reputation, “Public confidence has been badly shaken. It can only begin to be restored through complete honesty, transparency and respect for the farming community. We expect DAERA to answer the legitimate questions that have been raised, and we will continue to pursue this matter until our members have the clarity they deserve.”
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