Decision on Burren research criticised

A decision by Teagasc not to renew a contract to allow a Burren expert continue his research work on the Burren and farming has been criticised by farmers.

Last month, Dr Brendan Dunford's Farming and the Burren was launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh.

In Carron, Mr Walsh said the book "will ensure that our perceptions of the Burren become more informed and that all the agencies charged with the serious responsibility of managing this region re-evaluate their positions in accordance with the book's research".

The chairman of Burren IFA, Mr Michael Davoren, said yesterday Dr Dunford's work would be wasted if the research was not continued.

Now working as an independent ecological consultant, Dr Dunford confirmed yesterday that a lot of pressure from farmers in the Burren was brought on Teagasc to renew his contract. He said, however: "Nothing came of it."

Mr Davoren said yesterday there were two feeder projects into Dr Dunford's work in progress. These included satellite imaging of the Burren tracing the spread of hazel, and a second study evaluating the impact of tourism on the Burren.

A Teagasc spokesman said Dr Dunford's has not been renewed due to Teagasc's extreme financial situation.