Sinn Fein East Derry MLA Cathal Ó hOisín
SINN Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín has called for more to be done to stop farmers losing land to coastal erosion in Co Derry.
Mr Ó hOisín said: “Coastal erosion along the Magilligan coastline has resulted in the loss of land to farmers which is having a serious impact on their livelihoods.
“I know one farmer who has lost around 12 acres of farmable land to erosion.
“Not only does this cut down on his farming income but he also loses out on the Single Farm Payment, which is reduced due to having less land.
“The loss of the coastline is also having a detrimental effect on wildlife along this stretch of coastline with natural habitats under threat.
“I am calling on more measures to be taken to protect our coastline and coastal habitat so it is important we put in place a strategy to stop this erosion.
“I welcome the fact the Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has agreed to visit the area in the near future to see the extent of the land loss and look at ways in which we can stop any further erosion.”
