THE Gardaí and IFA have come together to advise farmers and landowners on ‘what to do and what not to do’ when they find people trespassing on their lands.

According to the draft document, confrontation should always be avoided with landowners advised to prioritise their own safety; to report any people illegally on their lands; and to observe the movement of the trespassers.

“The safety of you and your family is a priority, so don’t take any risks that would jeopardise your personal safety.

“If you meet strangers face-to-face, advise them that they are on private property and ask them politely to leave. Do not engage with banter or abusive comments,” is the advice from the Garda/IFA/National Rural Safety Forum document.

Landowners who have concerns about unauthorised people on their property should immediately dial 999 or 112 – not the local Garda station – providing as much detail as possible including the Eircode, townland, road number and if possible, the direction of travel of the offenders.

After that, the advice is to continue to safely monitor the situation; to update the Gardaí as required; and where appropriate to alert local community watch groups and other interested parties where appropriate.

Galway IFA Chair, Stephen Canavan, told the Farming Tribune that two things needed to happen to strengthen the hand of farmers and landowners in relation to trespassing.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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