Scheme to aid rare flora in the Burren to be extended

A scheme that has paid Burren farmers more than €2.1 million over the past five years to create the conditions to grow rare and wild flowers to prosper is set to be extended.

Over the past five years, farmers participating in the Burren Life Programme have received €4.6million in payments for their role in the improved environmental health of the area. Burren Life director Dr Brendan Dunford said "the signs are very positive" in the programme securing an extension beyond December.

Dr Dunford – who this year gave Prince Charles a tour of a Burren farm – said the goal of the programme is that every farmer in the Burren who wants to be included will be.