
The Independent Deputy says co-operation on biodiversity policies will only come once the industry is respected.
An independent TD is demanding respect for rural Ireland in exchange for co-operation on biodiversity policies in the future.
It comes as an EU directive on re-wetting boglands is going through the European legislative processes.
Michael Fitzmaurice believes rural communities are the "front line workers" in implementing biodiversity policies.
The Galway-Roscommon Deputy says that farmers have in the past proven their worth on the issue: