By Róise Collins
CALLS have been made for a discretionary fund to be put in place to help struggling farmers dispose of deceased livestock.
The call comes from Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District, Councillor Michael McClafferty following the recent dumping of three dead sheep in a ditch in Ardsbeg, Gortahork that has caused widespread anger.
Cllr McClafferty told the Donegal News that he is concerned that sheep may have been dumped as the farmer was not in the financial position to avail of the Fallen Animal Scheme.
The government scheme which was put in place to facilitate the collection and disposal of deceased livestock includes a collection fee of up to €100 per cow and €30 per sheep.
Cllr McClafferty added that this could be a financial burden on some farmers.
Despite these concerns he strongly stressed that dumping the animals is not the solution.
He suggested the implementation of a discretionary fund to help those who are struggling to dispose of livestock safely and properly to lessen potential environmental impacts.
Concerns regarding environmental impacts were also raised following the dumping of the animals in Gortahork as the three sheep in question were found near the Ardsbeg Water Treatment Plant which supplies drinking water to nearby towns.
The independent councillor added that the act of illegal dumping across west Donegal is on the rise, citing two recent incidents near his homeplace, which he described as “incomprehensible”.
In one incident near the Ray area of Falcarragh large bags of used nappies were dumped, in another incident outside the Murroe National School in Dunfanaghy a large amount of general waste was also illegally dumped.
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