A farm in Co Kilkenny where livestock and trees are thought to be afflicted by "mysterious symptoms" is being referred to a high-level European Parliament committee.
Green Party deputy leader Mary White said today that she had been working with Castlecomer farmer, Dan Brennan for five years in an effort to solve the problem of poor weight gain in his cattle and stunted growth of plants on his land.
She said Mr Brennan had worked extensively with local vets and State agencies to establish the cause of the problem without success. She was now referring the matter the European Petitions Committee.
Ms White said: "Anyone who has visited the farm will be shocked at the state of the cattle. They are small in size and obviously suffering from an as yet unidentified form of ill thrift and stunted growth.
"It is also apparent that there is an environmental problem which not only effects stock but trees which are dying on part of this farm."
She praised the work of vets Tom Slevin and Michael Lamb as well as the State agriculture agency Teagasc. However, she was critical of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture for failing to establish the cause of the problem.
The European Petitions Committee, which is part of the European Parliament but sits in Brussels, considers concerns claims by individuals of breach or non-application of EU law.
If it supports the case, it will pursue the issue on the individual's behalf.
