LARGE numbers of farmers in coastal areas of Donegal could have their land devalued due to a decision by Minister of Environment, Dick Roche to designate it as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Over 26,000 hectares are to be designated as SACs along the western coast from Donegal to Galway in order to protect the Chough or 'Sea Crow' from becoming an endangered species.

The move, however, has been criticised by Donegal Chairman of the IFA, Keith Rouslton on the grounds that no compensation package has been agreed for farmers.

"Designations for the Chough will devalue land, lead to income losses both actual and potential due to restrictions imposed." He has called on Minister Roche to engage in meaningful discussions on compensation levels for farmers," Mr Roulston said.

The Chough is a scarce member of the crow family, confined mostly to the northern and western coasts of Ireland, and in Donegal would be more commonly known as the 'Sea Crow'. Choughs are similar in size to jackdaws, but are easily distinguishable by their blood-red legs and bill, which is slightly down-curved.

Currently the Chough is one of 18 birds on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland's red list which makes them of high conservation priority.

"Minister Roche has imposed a three month deadline on farmers and landowners to lodge an appeal to these proposed designations, IFA is advising farmers to urgently lodge an appeal with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in order to get the areas taken out of designation," Mr Roulston concluded.