Byrne: Mapping System Flaws Must Finally Be Resolved

SDLP Agricultural spokesperson Joe Byrne has called for an investigation to be launched as to why the mapping system has failed farmers so badly.

This comes after an SDLP motion criticising the current mapping system was brought by Councillor Thomas Conway before Derry City Council last Tuesday evening received unanimous support.

Mr Byrne said:

“I am encouraged that all parties in Derry City Council have lent their full support to the SDLP motion calling for an inquiry into the mapping system for farmers which is failing.

“The SDLP are deeply concerned that over £20 million of public money has been spent on administering a fundamentally flawed system. Following the third attempt by the Department to get this right people’s patience will naturally be running out.

“The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development must urgently deal with this debacle and ensure that Farming families are in no-way penalised by DARD’s mistakes. Computer glitches can happen but there must be action to ensure mapping errors are prevented in the future.

“Farmers need to know that the system represents value for money given the exorbitant amounts the mapping system is costing the tax payer. The Minister must be proactive rather than reactive and ensure that finally her department get this mapping system right.

“The SDLP are also calling for an investigation to restore confidence in DARD’s administration, otherwise this matter may have to be referred to the Northern Ireland Audit Office and indeed the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee. The new mapping system must meet the Single Farm Payment EU requirements and be value for money.”