Family Carers asked to put their life story on the line

Family Carers throughout Ireland are being invited to put pen to paper and compose a poem as part of Caring for Carers Ireland’s annual nationwide poetry competition.

Chief Fire Officers issue Carbon Monoxide warning

The Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) is urging householders to be aware of the dangers associated with carbon monoxide (CO) build-up in the home as part Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2014.

Friends pedal Shaun's cause

30 friends and work colleagues of a County Donegal man who is currently battling cancer will this week embark on a 350-kilometre charity cycle along Ireland's western seaboard to raise funds for Friend’s of St. Luke’s and Bone Marrow for Leukaemia Trust.

‘All-Ireland Music Competition’ Final Acts Announced

16 acts from all over Ireland will participate in the final stages of the All-Ireland Music Competition on January 4-5th next, organisers of the inaugural contest announced today.

Significant Drop in Fire Fatalities during 2012

New figures from the Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) show a dramatic reduction in the number of deaths from fires in Ireland so far this year.

Mulcahy Welcomes Opening Of Largest Irish Energy Project Since Ardnacrusha

Fine Gael Clare Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Tony Mulcahy, has welcomed the launch of the €600 million electricity interconnector between Ireland and Britain as a major infrastructural development between the two countries.

Citylink Commuter Service Is Launched

Irish Citylink’s new online booking system went live today to coincide with the launch of the express coach operator’s Galway to Dublin commuter service.

Citylink Commuter is being targeted at people who wish to commute to work, college or schools situated along the route in Galway, Westmeath, Meath and Dublin. 

The 15 daily return services, which include a late night ‘Theatre Link’, will be operated by Citylink luxury coaches with free WiFi broadband access and air-conditioning.

Commenting on the commuter service, a spokesperson for Irish Citylink said: “The service has been rebranded to cater primarily for commuters living and working along the route. It will also cater for the needs of customers wishing to travel from town to town for shopping, hospital appointments and leisure activities.

“The service serves Dublin Airport and drops off at the front of Terminal 2, and at Bus stops 5 and 6 for Terminal 1.  We also have added a new late night service which means you can travel from Dublin after 11pm. This service is perfect for concert or theatre goers who do not want to spend the night in Dublin.

“We anticipate that the service will complement our 14 daily return direct services between Galway and Dublin and will transport approximately 500,000 people every year.

“A new faster, more user friendly on-line booking system is being provided to facilitate customers who wish to pre-book their tickets.  We also have established a Lo Call telephone number to facilitate customer enquiries”, the spokesperson added.

The locations served by the commuter service include Galway City, Oranmore, Craughwell, Loughrea, Aughrim, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Moate, Kilbeggan, Tyrellspass, Rochfortbridge, Milltownpass, Kinnegad, Enfield, Dublin and Dublin Airport.

Citylink Commuter offers single, return and 10 journey fares for commuters together with monthly, 3-monthly and annual TaxSaver tickets for commuters.  Special student fares are offered for single, return and 10 journey tickets.

Galway-based Irish Citylink also operates 14 non-stop daily return services between Galway-Dublin and Dublin Airport, 5 multi-stop daily return services between Galway and Cork, and daily return services between Galway to Clifden.

For more visit www.citylink.ie or Lo Call 1890 280808.

Minister Killeen Addresses PDFORRA Conference

The Minister for Defence Mr Tony Killeen TD last evening addressed the Annual Delegate Conference of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association at the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, Co Meath.

Speaking at the Conference Minister Killeen noted the difficult times presently faced by Ireland.

In commenting on the major contraction of the Irish economy the Minister said: “The current financial situation precludes the Government from providing the level of resourcing as was available to the Defence Forces in previous years and this is in line with the broader public service”.

He continued: “Despite the harsh economic circumstances the Defence Forces are in good shape to meet their obligations. Comprehensive reform of the Defence Forces and an extensive investment programme over the last decade has ensured the organisation is in a healthy state to maintain outputs within a reduced budgetary provision”

Minister Killeen commended the Permanent Defence Forces “for continuing to deliver high quality public service.”

The Minister said that he is aware of the impact that the moratorium on recruitment, promotion and acting appointments has had on the Permanent Defence Force particularly, in light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation.

Its impact has been monitored on an ongoing basis in conjunction with the Chief of Staff and the Department officials. Specific requirements were identified and limited exceptions to the moratorium were obtained from the Minister for Finance.

“Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force,” said Minister Killeen.

He advised that targeted recruitment is being carried out in 2010 and he has approved the recruitment of 40 Naval Service Recruits, limited recruitment to the Army and the intake of 30 Cadets from the Cadetship Competition 2010.

Agreement has been reached with the Department of Finance on the Employment Control Framework (ECF) for the Defence Forces. This agreement will result in recruitment and promotion being delegated back to the Department of Defence subject to ongoing control monitoring by the Department of Finance.

Minister Killeen acknowledged the demands placed on personnel who serve overseas and on their families and stated that while deployment to the Congo was at a huge human cost in terms of those who lost their lives, the dedication to duty of those who served in the Congo became a benchmark for all future peacekeeping missions.

The Minister confirmed that options for future deployment are being developed by Civil and Military management and subject to their advice he would expect to be in a position to consider the proposals and bring forward recommendations to Government as appropriate towards the end of the year.

Minister Killeen concluded by outlining that the challenge of managing the exceptionally harsh economic climate requires exceptional courage and public service in its purest form.

The Minister stated “I know that if we work together in the true spirit of public service that a brighter future lies ahead. I am confident that this future will see the continued modernisation of the Defence Force. I wish you all every success for the remainder of your conference and I look forward to working with you into the future.”
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Minister Killeen Visits Gormanston Camp

The Minister for Defence, Mr Tony Killeen TD, paid his first official visit to Gormanston Camp in Co. Meath yesterday (Wednesday 28th July 2010)

On arrival at Gormanston Camp, the Minister was greeted by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Sean McCann, General Officer Commanding the 2nd Eastern Brigade, Brigadier General Denis Murphy and Officer Commanding B Company 5th Infantry Battalion, Commandant Steve Howard.

Minister Killeen reviewed a Guard of Honour of members of B Company 5th Infantry Battalion. The Minister was then briefed by senior military personnel and shown around the Camp facilities.

Gormanston Camp consists of 261 acres and is one of the primary training facilities in the 2nd Eastern Brigade. Its facilities include a pistol range, gallery range, Air Defence range and Air Corps air to ground range as well as a number of open training areas. It is used to facilitate the basic training of recruits of the 2nd Eastern Brigade as well as providing the infrastructure for the ongoing training of the Brigade units.

Training of Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) Units also takes place in Gormanston, which hosts a number of RDF annual training camps each year. Gormanston Pistol range is also used by An Garda Síochána. The camp houses an Air accident facility (hangar) for the Irish Aviation Authority.

Speaking at the Camp Minister Killeen said “The range of facilities available at Gormanston make it an important training Camp which contributes to the internationally recognised high standard of the Defence Forces.”

Killeen Welcomes Reopening Of Moroccan Market To Irish Beef

The reopening of the Moroccan market to Irish beef and live cattle after more 15 years has been welcomed by Minister for Defence and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen.

A certificate, which allows the export of live cattle from Ireland to Morocco was agreed by both countries last month and a Veterinary Health Certificate for the export of Irish beef to Morocco was ratified this week.

Irish beef from animals aged under 48 months will now be allowed into Morocco without BSE testing and beef from animals over 48 months, which have tested negative for BSE, will also be approved. This is the same testing regime, which applies to beef exports destined for the EU.

Reacting to the news, Minister Killeen said: “This market has been closed to Ireland for almost a decade and a half and its reopening follows a successful visit to Ireland by a delegation of senior Moroccan veterinarians last March.”

“The successful reopening of this vital market is testament to the ongoing work of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that Irish exporters will have access to as many global markets as possible”, he added.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of the food sector to the Irish economy and I remain committed to ensuring that Department and I, together with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs, will continue to actively work together in order to make this goal a reality”, concluded Minister Killeen.

Following the reopening of the Tunisian market to Irish beef in April, a veterinary health certificate has now been agreed which will permit the export of sheep meat from Ireland to Tunisia.

Citylink Awards €30M Outsourcing Contract To Callinan Coaches

Citylink Ireland announced today that it has outsourced its operations to Galway-based Callinan Coaches Ltd, in a deal worth in excess of €30m.

Under the terms of the five-year contract, Callinan Coaches will carry in excess of one million passengers each year on 85 daily Citylink routes, connecting Ireland’s major cities and international airports.

Claregalway-based Callinan Coaches currently employs 35 drivers and a number of maintenance staff to operate 14 Non Stop services for Citylink, as well as a number of domestic and continental services. An additional 39 drivers will be employed under the terms of the new contract.

Callinan’s fleet of 15 coaches, all of which are 5-Star Failte Ireland approved, will operate the new services along with Citylink Ireland’s fleet of luxury 24 coaches.

Commenting on the contract, Cathy Cullen, Managing Director of Citylink said: “The awarding of this outsourcing contract is an integral part of Citylink’s strategy to secure the financial stability of the company and to reaffirm our long-term commitment to the Irish market. The deal is great news for the travelling public as it consolidates the level and quality of services currently being provided, while it also enables Citylink to refocus its marketing strategy going forward”.

“Citylink are confident that Callinan Coaches, which has been named ‘Intercity Coach Operator Of The Year’ for two years in succession, will operate their scheduled services to the highest standard. Callinan and Citylink share a strong commitment to providing excellent customer care and consistency in the delivery of a first class service”, Ms. Cullen added.

Tommy Callinan, Founder of Callinan Coaches Ltd. stated: "We look forward to continuing our work with Citylink Ireland, delivering a service that allows the company to concentrate on launching new routes and expanding its scope throughout Ireland."

Callinan Coaches, on behalf of Citylink, will operate the following services under the outsourcing agreement:
- 15 multi-stop Galway to Dublin and 15 multi-stop Dublin to Galway services daily
- 14 non-stop Galway to Dublin and 14 non-stop Dublin to Galway services daily (Callinan Coaches currently operates these services under contract for Citylink)
- 5 multi-stop Galway to Cork and 5 multi-stop Cork to Galway services daily
- Daily services from Galway to and from Clifden
- Daily services from Galway to and from Shannon International Airport

For more visit www.citylink.ie.

Department of Defence Launches Biodiversity Action Plan

The Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen T.D., this week published the Sectoral Biodiversity Action Plan for the Department of Defence.

The United Nations has designated 2010 as International Year of Biodiversity and this is currently National Biodiversity Week.

Action 1 of The National Biodiversity Plan requests “Relevant Government Departments and State agencies to prepare, with stakeholders, their own Biodiversity Action Plans in line with agreed guidelines to ensure and promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.”

Minister Killeen said “I am delighted to publish this plan during National Biodiversity Week. Biodiversity is not just about animals and plants, it is also about the places in which these animals and plants exist and how these places are impacted by humans.”

The Department of Defence’s property and infrastructure portfolio consists of almost 100 sites including 23 permanently occupied military barracks, together with lands comprising about 21,000 acres. The major land holdings include the Curragh, Co. Kildare, Glen of Imaal, Co. Wicklow and Kilworth, Co. Cork.

In administering these large tracts of land the Department acknowledges that there is a requirement to take account of biodiversity issues. By their nature, the elements comprising the larger training lands are wilderness areas that are generally restricted in terms of public access. As a result these areas and the biodiversity contained within them can be maintained and encouraged to flourish whilst balancing the training needs of the Defence Forces.

The targets and actions contained in the Department of Defence’s Sectoral Biodiversity Action Plan are set out in a number of main categories:

• Land Use and Management
• Habitats
• Identification and Monitoring
• General Measures and sustainability
• Managing Biological Data

Minister Killeen said “Military training lands are located in predominantly remote areas with limited access. The level of activity on certain areas of the military training lands has ensured that biodiversity is conserved to a much greater extent than would otherwise be the case. The introduction of this plan, the first by any Government Department, shows the commitment of the Department to a range of issues that would not normally be associated with Defence policy.”

The Plan is available on the Department’s website at www.defence.ie

Louth museum webcast to engage Maryland students

The history of Dundalk, County Louth, will be aired in the classrooms of two American schools on Monday next as part of an innovative new online project developed by County Museum Dundalk.

Students of Dundalk High School and Dundalk Middle School in Maryland are participating in the first of six live internet webcasts on various aspects of life and work in Louth’s capital town during the 20th century.

The series of hour-long webcasts will focus primarily on the lives of people working in the local brewing, tobacco manufacturing and shoe manufacturing industries, as well the role and nature of education and entertainment in the Dundalk area.

The decision to involve students from the US forms part of the project’s key objective of assisting schools with respect to local history studies. Dundalk in Maryland was established in 1856 by Henry McShane, a native of County Louth who established the McShane Bell Foundry on the banks of the Patapsco River on the outskirts of Baltimore.

According to Museum Curator, Brian Walsh: “We are trying to do something novel in the presentation of history to schools not only locally but internationally as well. By broadcasting through our website, www.dundalkmuseum.ie, we are looking to develop a new audience, to make the museum and the collection interesting in a different way, and most importantly produce a publicly available archive of recorded material for future reference.”

“The programmes are designed to assist schools with respect to local history studies with the preparation of a specialised worksheet dealing with each theme over the course of the broadcasts. The worksheets, which will be available to download from the museum’s website, will feature photographs of the activity being discussed along with a unique insight into the dramatic changes in local life over the course of a lifetime”, he added.

Commenting on the transatlantic link-up, Michael P. Joyce, a teacher at Dundalk Middle School stated: “After hearing about the project I knew right away that there was a great opportunity to raise the historical awareness of our students. Learning about the past third person does not always induce thought. As kids we all loved trips outside of school. More importantly those experiences made for strong memories. This project is a brilliant way to inject first person experience into our day to day instruction. Students love what’s new and what they can interact with. This brings the past alive. It’s the new textbook!”

Pam Cline, Librarian and Technology Liaison at Dundalk High School said students were very excited about the connection with their name sake town in Ireland.

“It will be interesting to see what we have in common with the Irish Dundalk. Maybe we will do a history of our Dundalk so that they can know what we are like. We are so looking forward to working with County Museum Dundalk on this project. Our students are anxious to create a video with their sister city”, added Ms. Cline.

Programme host and local radio broadcaster Harry Lee explained that the show will feature guests with first hand experience of working in local industries, and will provide an entertaining and informative glance at life in Dundalk during the 20th Century.

Mr. Lee continued: “I believe that internet radio is the future and that this is a great way of making history interesting and relevant to a new generation. We are hoping to generate an atmosphere of a fireside conversation, making it an enjoyable experience for our guests and, of course, our listeners”.

Running order for live webcasts:
- Education, 1.30-2.30pm, Monday 26th April
- Brewing, Monday 10th May
- Tobacco and cigarette manufacture, Monday 17th May
- Shoe manufacture, Monday 24th May
- Printing, Monday 31st May
- Entertainment, Monday 14th June

Further information on the live history project is available from Brian Walsh at 042 9327056, or on the museum website: www.dundalkmuseum.ie.

County Museum Dundalk Takes To The Airwaves

Details of the country’s first series of live radio webcasts by a local authority museum have been announced.

County Museum Dundalk in Louth will host six hour-long episodes, the first of which will be broadcast on April 26, on various aspects of life and work in Louth’s capital town during the 20th century.

The internet broadcasts will focus primarily on the lives of people working in the local brewing, tobacco manufacturing and shoe manufacturing industries, as well the role and nature of education and entertainment in the Dundalk area.

The programmes are designed to assist schools with respect to local history studies with the preparation of a specialised worksheet dealing with each theme over the course of the broadcasts. The worksheets, which will be available to download from the museum’s website, will feature photographs of the activity being discussed along with a unique insight into the dramatic changes in local life over the course of a lifetime.

Programme host and local radio broadcaster Harry Lee explained that the show will feature guests with first hand experience of working in local industries, and will provide an entertaining and informative glance at life in Dundalk during the 20th Century.

“I believe that internet radio is the future and that this is a great way of making history interesting and relevant to a new generation. We are hoping to generate an atmosphere of a fireside conversation, making it an enjoyable experience for our guests and, of course, our listeners”, stated Mr. Lee.

According to Museum Curator, Brian Walsh: “We are trying to do something novel in the presentation of history to schools not only locally but internationally as well. By broadcasting through our website, www.dundalkmuseum.ie, we are looking to develop a new audience, to make the museum and the collection interesting in a different way, and most importantly produce a publicly available archive of recorded material for future reference.”

He continued: “We hope to develop several aspects to this project including a series of programme worksheets, as well as a text and email facility that will enable our audience to ask questions they feel important.”

The project’s technical adviser, Jason McGee of Jascom Limited commented: “This is an innovative technology that has not been used before. The younger generation are well used to using computers to find information so we thought it would be a good idea to use the internet to provide a history lesson”.

Running order for live webcasts:
- Education, Monday 26th April
- Brewing, Monday 10th May
- Tobacco and cigarette manufacture, Monday 17th May
- Shoe manufacture, Monday 24th May
- Printing, Monday 31st May
- Entertainment, Monday 14th June

Further information on the live history project is available from Brian Walsh at 042 9327056, or on the museum website: www.dundalkmuseum.ie.

Code Of Practice For The Welfare Of Pigs Is Launched

A new booklet produced by the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) on a Code of Practice for the Welfare of Pigs has been launched.

The booklet aims to encourage all pig farmers to maintain the highest standards of animal husbandry and continue to practice responsible management on farms.

Commenting on the importance of good welfare practices, Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Tony Killeen said: “If farmers follow this Code of Practice, it will help them to meet the necessary welfare standards. Without competent, diligent stockmanship, the welfare of pigs cannot be catered for adequately.”

He added: “The booklet provides advice on maintaining good bio-security and animal health status within the herd and on ensuring appropriate welfare by having proper procedures in place for dealing with sick or injured animals. Advice on herd management and on the requirement for pigs to have access to suitable material to enable proper investigation and manipulation activities is addressed.”

Meanwhile, Minister of State Killeen confirmed that the Department will shortly announce details of the new Sow Housing Scheme, being implemented shortly as part of the revised Rural Development Programme, which will provide 13 million euro to producers to assist in conversion to loose housing for sows.

The booklet is available on the FAWAC website at www.fawac.ie or from the FAWAC Secretariat - email FAWAC@agriculture.gov.ie.

Russia Lifts Temporary Ban On Irish Pigmeat

Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has warmly welcomed the decision by the Russian Federation to reopen its market to Irish pigmeat with effect from the beginning of February.

The market has been closed since the dioxin incident in December 2008. According to Minister of State Killeen: “The temporary ban on imports of Irish pork and pork products has been lifted as from the 1 February 2010 and in this regard pork and pork products produced after that date can be exported from Ireland to the Russian Federation.”

Minister of State Killeen said the announcement was hugely significant as Russia previously was a significant market for pigmeat producers in Ireland. He noted: “The Russian pigmeat market was valued at over 12 million euro in 2007. I have no doubt that that Russian market for Irish pork products is one that has considerable potential to grow. “

Minister of State Killeen added: “The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, together with Bord Bia and the Irish Embassy in Moscow, has been working vigorously to regain access to this important market. The reopening of the market is recognition that the production of pigmeat in Ireland is subject to extremely rigorous controls and reflects the importance we place on high standards for food safety. The Department’s intention as always is to ensure access to as many international markets as possible for all Irish meats and meat products”.

Killeen Seeks Simplified CAP Rules And Procedures

Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen has backed calls for a simplification of the rules and procedures involved in operating the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The Clare Fianna Fail T.D. was speaking following a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Brussels. He stated: “Proposals for simplification measures were made last May by a group consisting of Ireland and 12 other countries. In reviewing progress on these proposals, the Council agreed that while there had been useful work done, further efforts were needed. The Irish Government is now insisting that efforts to simply the rules and procedures are intensified, and I am delighted to see that there is strong agreement for this from other counties.”

Minister of State Killeen continued: “Officials will now continue the very detailed work involved in this and report to Ministers on a regular basis. In addition to this immediate work, I was also particularly pleased that a suggestion by my colleague Minister Brendan Smith that policy simplification should form a fundamental plank of our consideration of the shape of the CAP after 2013 was reflected by the Swedish chairman in concluding the debate. We need a simple EU agricultural policy - simple to justify to EU taxpayers, simple for farmers to understand and operate and simple for Member States to implement and enforce".

Among the other issues considered at the meeting of Agriculture Ministers was the CAP after 2013, and in particular the Rural Development or "Pillar 2" aspects of the common policy. Pillar 1 of the CAP consists of the Single Farm Payment and market support measures.

Commenting on the agriculture elements of Rural Development, Minister Killeen said that the Irish Government supported a move towards supporting competitiveness and sustainability in our farming systems. “Measures which promote competitiveness will perform a pivotal role in encouraging efficiency and innovation in farming for the future. These measures are critical to the future of Irish and European farming and should be maintained and enhanced”, he concluded.

Positive 2010 Outlook For Irish Tourism

UK based self-catering holiday operator, Imagine Ireland, is confidently predicting growth in the Irish tourism market in 2010.

Established in 2003 by Annette Collins and Astrid Nitzsche, Imagine Ireland is one of the UK’s largest self-catering companies and offers over 1000 individually vetted properties throughout Ireland. And although the company saw a 25% drop in holiday bookings during 2009, Imagine Ireland expects volumes to return to 2008 levels of 11,000 holidays by the end of 2010.

Speaking at the launch of Imagine Ireland's new holiday programme for 2010, Astrid Nitzsche stated: “Clearly our outlook is at odds with even the more optimistic commentators in the industry. However, our predictions are predicated on three factors: the increasing value for money for UK tourists in Ireland, the UK general election and the bottoming out of the UK's recession."

"There is an ongoing adjustment within the cost base of the Irish economy which combined with salary cuts and declining domestic demand will see a 10% fall in products and services over the course of 2010 countering the recent rises in the value of the Euro versus Sterling. This makes Ireland a value for money destination for our clients. Secondly we expect the market will react positively to a change of government in the UK which is likely on foot of the 2010 general election which in turn will positively impact on people's perceptions of their own prospects and in turn perceived prosperity”, she added.

Ms Nitzshe continued: “if people are optimistic, they spend more and comes on foot of tremendous uncertainty and pessimism amongst UK consumers. Thirdly although not exclusively, there are green shoots beginning to emerge within the UK economy as the banks are stabilized and the economic upheaval of the past 12 months settles. This in turn will encourage banks to start lending, companies to start investing and companies to start employing in turn putting more spending power back into the UK economy as consumers recover the confidence to spend."

Co-Director Annette Collins added: "Our business is well-established thanks to our relationship with our owners and our holidaymakers. That said we take nothing for granted particularly as the tourism market has become global due to the internet while the self-catering market in particular has seen an upsurge in competition from non-traditional sectors such as hotels and serviced apartments. We have for example invested this year in our brand while our marketing activity is being repositioned to target our predicted lift in tourists' propensity to travel hence our recent re-launch of Imagine Ireland against the backdrop of the world's largest trade fair, World Travel Market, which took place in London earlier this month”.

Imagine Ireland, however, has cautioned the Irish tourism industry against complacency as other worldwide destinations similarly would be actively targeting any resurgence in demand.

“The need to constantly drive value for money throughout pubs, shops, transport providers and attractions, combined for example with Tourism Ireland's efforts at maintaining a prevalent brand presence across key markets particularly the UK, Ireland's closest and largest overseas market, was further underlined as critical to Ireland's emergence from its current tourism downturn”, concluded Ms. Collins.

ABOVE IMAGE:
Pictured at the launch of Imagine Ireland's 2010 Self-Catering Holiday Programme are (from l-r) Jose Herrero, Key Account Manager, P&O Ferries; Astrid Nitzsche, Stregic Director, Imagine Ireland; Colin Faircus, Regional Sales Manager, DFDS Seaways; Karl McCay, Marketing Services Executive, Tourism Ireland; Andy Greenslade, Area Sales Manager, Carlton Hotel Group; Dave Ashcroft, Key Account Manager, P&O North Sea Ferries; and Annette Collins, Operations Director, Imagine Ireland

Upland Sheep Scheme Payments To Be Made In Early December

Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has confirmed that special payments amounting to approximately 7 million euro will be made to 13,000 hill sheep farmers over the next two months.

Minister Killeen confirmed that he expected that Upland Sheep Payment Scheme payments worth in the region of 5 million euro would be made by the end of the year with the remaining 2 million euro being paid in early 2010. A further 54 million euro will be made available over the next three years in unused CAP funds to support incomes in the sheep sector.

The Clare T.D. said: “The Uplands Sheep Payment comprises unused funds from the Single Payment National Reserve. By creating this payment, the Government has recognised the difficulties and costs, including compliance costs, facing the sheep sector.”

“In addition to the 7 million euro payments being made over the next two months, the Department has allocated an additional 8 million euro for sheep fencing and mobile handling facilities to assist sheep farmers in reducing labour input, as part of a new targeted on-farm investment scheme”, added Minister of State Killeen.

The 2009 Upland Sheep Payment will be payable to farmers who declared their sheep under the 2007 and the 2008 Sheep Census; declared Mountain Type Grazing under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme; and were eligible for and were in receipt of payment under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. The maximum area payable is 15 hectares of mountain type grazing.

Department Raises Difficulties In Farming Sector With Banks

Minister of State and Fianna Fail T.D. for Clare, Tony Killeen has confirmed that the Department of Agriculture met with Irish banks at the weekend to encourage Irish banks to extend normal working capital facilities to farmers.

The meeting between Minister Killeen’s Department, the major banks and the Irish Banking Federation focused on the ongoing credit difficulties being experienced in the farming sector. According to Minister of State Killeen: “The banks recognise the current short-term difficulties faced by farmers and have made it clear that they are open for business. The are, however, encouraging farmers to initiate contact at an early juncture in instances where difficulties with regards to short term financing and sourcing working capital are envisaged.”

He emphasised the difficulties associated with poor weather conditions as well as low prices, particularly in the dairy sector, and said that “farmers require access to higher levels of short and medium term credit facilities to assist in weathering the current storm”.

The Junior Agriculture Minister added: “The Department of Agriculture will persist with its efforts to impress upon and facilitate banks in providing more assistance to their farmer clients at this very difficult time, particularly having regard to low product prices this year. The ongoing discussions with the IBF and the banks with regard to agri-sector issues including credit to farmers represents a significant component of the ongoing Government objective to free up lending on a commercial basis into the economy as a whole.”

It is anticipated that the ongoing discussions between the Department of Agriculture, the IBF and the banks will also compliment the work of the Credit Supply Clearing Group, which was established to identify credit bottlenecks to viable businesses and to seek to identify credit supply solutions. This group includes representatives from the main banks, business interests, including the farming sector, and state agencies.