Menu
08/07/2016
Ó Cuív Slams Govt For Failing To Invest In Island Farmers
Fianna Fáil's (FF) Éamon Ó Cuív has accused the Government of failing to invest in essential services and schemes for Island Farmers.
The party's spokesperson on Rural Development, Rural Affairs & the Gaeltacht accused the Government of making "hollow promises" after Fine Gael and the Independents pledged to invest an extra €15 million in funding for the islands.
However, FF revealed the money is a "rehash" of previous support being delivered under the Rural Development Plan.
Deputy Ó Cuív said the announcement was a "deliberate attempt by the Government to appear as if they have an interest in rural Ireland".
"I recently asked the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed whether the money, as outlined on page 114 of the Programme for Government, was being made in addition to the existing island top-up, which is paid out under the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme," he said.
"It's now emerged that this €15m, which was depicted as new money in the Programme for Government, is in fact a continuation of the previous support being delivered under the Rural Development Plan. The truth of the matter is that no new money is being provided.
"The promises made in the Programme for Government are beginning to ring hollow with people on the Islands. "Island communities are in need of investment and the promised €15m would go a long way in assisting island farmers – by helping them preserve traditional farming methods and prevent land abandonment. It is extremely frustrating to learn that yet another commitment is being broken, island farmers are being forgotten and there are no plans to roll out the money which was promised in the Programme for Government."
(LM/MH)
The party's spokesperson on Rural Development, Rural Affairs & the Gaeltacht accused the Government of making "hollow promises" after Fine Gael and the Independents pledged to invest an extra €15 million in funding for the islands.
However, FF revealed the money is a "rehash" of previous support being delivered under the Rural Development Plan.
Deputy Ó Cuív said the announcement was a "deliberate attempt by the Government to appear as if they have an interest in rural Ireland".
"I recently asked the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed whether the money, as outlined on page 114 of the Programme for Government, was being made in addition to the existing island top-up, which is paid out under the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme," he said.
"It's now emerged that this €15m, which was depicted as new money in the Programme for Government, is in fact a continuation of the previous support being delivered under the Rural Development Plan. The truth of the matter is that no new money is being provided.
"The promises made in the Programme for Government are beginning to ring hollow with people on the Islands. "Island communities are in need of investment and the promised €15m would go a long way in assisting island farmers – by helping them preserve traditional farming methods and prevent land abandonment. It is extremely frustrating to learn that yet another commitment is being broken, island farmers are being forgotten and there are no plans to roll out the money which was promised in the Programme for Government."
(LM/MH)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 November 2012
Employees Go Back To Work Following Protest
Workers have gone back to work after holding a protest outside the Great Island power station in County Wexford. Over 60 employees took part in the protest over the possibility that some of them would be replaced by a Spanish scaffolding contractor. However, an agreement was made in a meeting yesterday and the workers returned this morning.
Employees Go Back To Work Following Protest
Workers have gone back to work after holding a protest outside the Great Island power station in County Wexford. Over 60 employees took part in the protest over the possibility that some of them would be replaced by a Spanish scaffolding contractor. However, an agreement was made in a meeting yesterday and the workers returned this morning.
03 September 2012
Met Éireann Confirms Wettest August Since 1997
Rainfall was below average along western and northern coasts and in parts of the East, with the percentage of average values ranging from 73% at Newport to 225% at Johnstown Castle, its wettest August since 1997, according to data from Met Éireann.
Met Éireann Confirms Wettest August Since 1997
Rainfall was below average along western and northern coasts and in parts of the East, with the percentage of average values ranging from 73% at Newport to 225% at Johnstown Castle, its wettest August since 1997, according to data from Met Éireann.
04 November 2011
Tourist's Body Located
The body of a man who fell from a cliff in County Mayo yesterday has been recovered. The Finnish man is said to have been visiting Ireland and had taken a trip to Achill Island later going missing. It is now understood that the tourist fell from a cliff at Cloughmore yesterday afternoon.
Tourist's Body Located
The body of a man who fell from a cliff in County Mayo yesterday has been recovered. The Finnish man is said to have been visiting Ireland and had taken a trip to Achill Island later going missing. It is now understood that the tourist fell from a cliff at Cloughmore yesterday afternoon.
21 September 2022
Health Minister Praises Community Staff On Rathlin Island
Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of health and social care staff, firefighters and community representatives who support residents of Rathlin Island. The Minister visited the island where he met members of the Rathlin Development & Community Association (RDCA) as well as the local nursing team and volunteer firefighters.
Health Minister Praises Community Staff On Rathlin Island
Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of health and social care staff, firefighters and community representatives who support residents of Rathlin Island. The Minister visited the island where he met members of the Rathlin Development & Community Association (RDCA) as well as the local nursing team and volunteer firefighters.
21 January 2016
SF Call For 'Immediate Progress' On All-Ireland Food Labeling
Sinn Féin have called for immediate progress in developing an all-Ireland food label.
SF Call For 'Immediate Progress' On All-Ireland Food Labeling
Sinn Féin have called for immediate progress in developing an all-Ireland food label.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
