Much damage is being caused to the Curragh Plains from the practice of providing supplementary feeding to sheep during the winter months.
Supplementary feeding damages by leading to a concentration of sheep in a small area with consequent damage to the sward and possible contamination of the groundwater. This is particularly so at this time of year and in present very wet conditions. Vehicles used to bring in the feed also damage the sward. The practice also presents a threat to existing flora by way of nutrients and alien seeds.
Curragh Farm area of the Curragh 19th February 2013
A.J. Mullowney