Rural Economy

IFA TO HOLD NATIONWIDE RALLY ON FRIDAY TO HIGHLIGHT VALUE OF FARMING TO THE RURAL ECONOMY

IFA will hold a nationwide rally next Fri, Jun 11^th, to highlight the importance of commercial farming to the rural economy.

It will be the first large scale demonstration by IFA since the pandemic. Farmers will gather in county towns across the country to warn against the dangers in the current CAP proposals and the Climate Action Bill.

The farming and food sector employs 300,000 people across the country and we contributed €13bn in exports in 2020. “The county towns that we will visit on Friday rely heavily on our sector. Any reduction in activity in agriculture will hit them hard,” he said.

IFA President Tim Cullinan met An Taoiseach Michael Martin last week, where he told him that the current direction of the CAP and the Government’s Climate Action Bill could shut down commercial farming in Ireland.

“We will be making a strong statement across the country on Friday that policies must support our largest indigenous industry,” he said.

“A cohort of farmers, many of who are the most productive farmers, are being hit with huge cuts under the CAP. In addition, the Climate Bill, the subsequent carbon budgets and sectoral targets could result in huge additional regulation being imposed on the same group of farmers,” he said.

Tim Cullinan said farms sequester carbon and this has to be fully factored into the calculation of carbon budgets and sectoral targets. “We will not accept any attempt to remove credits from our sector,” he said.

According to the Teagasc National Farm survey, only one-third of farmers in Ireland are viable.

“The EU and our own Government policies are targeting these farmers and will make them unviable,” he said“The Programme for Government and the Climate Bill refers to taking account of the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane in setting climate budgets. Yet it appears that the Government now want to walk away from this commitment,” he said.

“Farmers want to work with the Government on climate action, but there has to be real engagement. Setting targets without any regard for the consequences won’t work,” he said.

Ends.

June 9, 2021

Connected Hubs Network Launched

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has this week launched the Connected Hubs Network, Ireland’s first national network of remote working hubs.

Connectedhubs.ie is a key action of Our Rural Future and will see over 100 hubs connected by the end of 2021.

Already, 66 hubs across the country are on board and are accessible to remote workers via an online map.

This number will rise to over 100 by the end of 2021 with the overall target of 400 set to be exceeded.

Announcing the launch of the network in Swinford, Co Mayo, Minister Humphreys said:

“Remote Working is a key commitment of ‘Our Rural Future’, the most ambitious policy for Rural Ireland in decades.

“Today, we are demonstrating the action behind that policy through the launch of Connected Hubs.

“Hub working can support the development of employment opportunities and career paths in rural areas. This will help to give young people the choice to stay closer to home while pursuing their careers and also to encourage people living in cities to consider moving to a more rural location.”

“Throughout this pandemic, so many of us have experienced the benefits of remote working – reduced commutes, more time spent with your family, increased footfall in towns, a lower carbon footprint.

“As we look to the reopening of our country, I am determined that we make remote working a permanent and viable reality for thousands of people.

“The Connected Hubs Network provides the perfect opportunity for workers and employers to embrace a ‘blended working’ model, and to find the balance of hub, home and office working that works best for them.”

The Minister concluded:

“I would urge all existing or new hubs to become members of Connected Hubs. In addition to availing of the excellent platform and supports unveiled today, by having your details included in the National Hub Survey you can help Government to identify the scale of our nation’s remote working infrastructure. This information will help to guide and inform future investment decisions.

“I would also like to remind hub managers of two funding streams which I recently launched, the €5m Connected Hubs fund for existing hubs and the €15m Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which will place particular emphasis on projects supporting remote working and enhancing town centre living as outlined in Our Rural Future.

“I will also be making an announcement regarding the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in the coming months.”

The National Hub Network Working Group led by the Department of Rural and Community Development has identified and mapped close to 400 remote working hubs across the country. These hubs will be invited to join the Connected Hubs Network to create shared infrastructure that will deliver real benefits across the country. A National Hub survey is currently underway to gather further information with regard to services offered by these hubs.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

Notes for editors:

The ConnectedHubs.ie platform will offer a suite of booking, hub management and e-commerce applications to members of the Network. The Network will also facilitate the sharing of innovation, experience and best practices across the community. These supports will serve to maximise benefit to member hubs, hub clients, employers, local communities and the wider economy.

The National Hub Network Working Group led by the Department of Rural and Community Development has identified and mapped over 400 remote working hubs across the country. These hubs will be invited to join the Connected Hubs Network to create shared infrastructure that will deliver real benefits across the country. A National Hub survey is currently underway to gather further information with regard to services offered by these hubs.

Membership of the Connected Hubs Network is open to all existing and new hubs who wish to offer remote working services.

The following initiatives will be developed through this initiative;

A Shared Connected Hubs brand identity for all member hubs
A Centralised Connected Hubs media and promotional campaigns
Access to the ConnectedHubs.ie suite of booking, hub management and e-commerce applications.
Development of a Peer-to-Peer Hub Community
Sharing of Innovation, Experience and Best-Practices within the community
Developing a shared quality standard for hubs in the Network
Supporting collaborative projects in the Network to drive economies of scale
Developing a ‘shared voice’ for Connected Hubs
Supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and large scale employers
Supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and Government Agencies
Helping to identify the benefits Connected Hubs deliver for their local communities and the wider economy
Developing a dataset to inform future investment decisions in remote working facilities

A full list of connected hubs is available on gov.ie.

June 1, 2021

Inconic Tidy Towns Competition Returns

Minister Humphreys announces return of SuperValu TidyTowns Competition

Iconic competition makes comeback following COVID-19 disruption

TidyTowns groups to showcase their communities via electronic entry

New prize category to recognise role played by volunteers throughout pandemic

Special award for young people as per commitment under ‘Our Rural Future’

Over 800 TidyTowns groups across the country have been awarded special €1,000 grant to support their efforts

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (21st May, 2021) announced the return of the SuperValu TidyTowns Competition.

The iconic competition was cancelled in 2020 – for the first time in over 60 years – due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

But special arrangements have now been put in place to ensure the return of the competition this year, with the overall winners due to be announced before the end of the year.

The 2021 SuperValu TidyTowns competition will take place in the same format as previous years, albeit with a specific emphasis on electronic entry and remote adjudication of each town’s entry.

Groups should continue to adhere to public health guidelines as they have done so remarkably well since the onset of the Pandemic.

The health and safety of volunteers continues to be paramount.

It is acknowledged that volunteers have not been able to deliver on all of the plans that they may have had for their towns, and the competition adjudicators will be mindful of this fact when assessing entries.

At the same time, many groups have still been very active and the standard of competition is expected to be high again this year amongst the almost 1,000 TidyTowns groups around the country.

Above all, staging the competition this year is a recognition of the extraordinary contribution volunteers continued to make to their communities, even during the Pandemic itself.

For this reason, Minister Humphreys has introduced a new award category aimed at groups that have continued to serve and look after their communities despite the difficulties posed by COVID-19.

The Minister has also introduced a special prize for young people, which was committed to under Our Rural Future – the Government’s ambitious new strategy for Rural Ireland.

Minister Humphreys announced a €1 million fund in December to further support the TidyTowns Groups across the country.

Today, the Minister confirmed that over 800 TidyTowns Groups have now been awarded grants of up to €1,000 under this Fund

Minister Humphreys today formally launched the 2021 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition in Glaslough, County Monaghan – the 2019 winners of the competition.

Speaking in Glaslough, Minister Humphreys said:

“Missing out on the competition last year was very disappointing for everyone associated with TidyTowns. That’s why I am delighted to announce that this iconic competition is back.

“I am sure the thousands of volunteers around the country are relieved that we have finally reached the point where we can launch the 2021 SuperValu TidyTowns competition and are excited for the months ahead.

“While the last year has been so challenging for everyone, I know that so many TidyTowns volunteers the length and breadth of the country have continued to look after their communities.

“Many groups have been unable to deliver on the projects they had planned due to COVID-19.

“That will not impact in any shape or form on this year’s competition and I am encouraging each and every one of the 987 registered groups across the country to enter once again.”

Also speaking about the launch today, Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu:

“This year marks 30 years of SuperValu’s continuous support for and sponsorship of the national TidyTowns competition.

“As one of the longest-running community and sustainability initiatives in Ireland, TidyTowns is an incredibly important programme that all of us at SuperValu are immensely proud to be a part of.

“At its heart, TidyTowns is the public expression of the work countless individuals undertake to make our communities better places in which to work and live.

“Following a year like no other, this year’s competition is about recognising work of volunteers who have continued in every way possible and collectively help to lift the mood of the nation.”

The Minister continued:

“TidyTowns is not just a competition. It demonstrates everything good about our people – volunteerism, positivity, working together, community spirit, protecting our environment, that sense of pride in looking after the place you call home.

“This is a really special day. I want to pay tribute to the huge role played by TidyTowns groups in inspiring vibrant communities and generating a spirit of volunteerism in towns and villages across the country – qualities that are at the core of “Our Rural Future”.

“I am also pleased to include a special award this year for young people involved in TidyTowns which is a specific recommendation contained in the Government’s strategy for Rural Ireland. I would also encourage local groups to continue their great efforts at promoting and enhancing biodiversity in our local towns.

“TidyTowns volunteers are rightly proud of their locality – their efforts make towns and villages the length and breadth of the country better places to live and to visit. For years, TidyTowns volunteers have shown great resilience and determination – even more so over the past year as our communities came together in the face of adversity.

“In recognition of this, we have also introduced a special award to recognise the contribution that TidyTowns groups have made to their communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including as part of the COVID-19 Community call.

“As we look ahead to an outdoor summer and staycations, we want our local towns and villages right across the country to be attractive, welcoming places. The trojan work carried out by our local TidyTowns volunteers will be central to achieving that. My message is clear – TidyTowns is back this year and it is bigger, better and more important than ever.”

Minister Humphreys concluded:

“I value the role my Department plays in this competition. I want to also commend the competition sponsor, SuperValu, for their continuing support and enthusiasm in raising awareness of the competition. Now in their 30th year of sponsorship, through their nationwide network of retailers, SuperValu have helped the competition to become the best known sustainable and environmental initiative in Ireland.

“Finally, I want to encourage all groups to continue to adhere to the public health advice and I wish all the volunteers the very best in this year’s competition.”

Further details on the competition and access to supporting resources are available at www.tidytowns.ie

ENDS

2021 Competition

Full details of the competition are available on www.tidytowns.ie
Entry forms to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition will be emailed to all registered groups
Entry forms can also be obtained from the TidyTowns Unit in the Department of Rural and Community Development (Phone: 076 100 6912) or by visiting www.tidytowns.ie or www.SuperValu.ie or by emailing tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie
The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Friday 2^nd July 2021.
Results of competition expected to be announced in Q4 2021

TidyTowns figures

Competition first launched in 1958
Record number of entries in 2019 with 924 groups entering the competition
SuperValu have been sponsoring the competition for over 30 years

The full list of Tidy Town Groups who have received the €1,000 Grant is available at: www.tidytowns.ie

May 21, 2021

€4.5m TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY FACILITIES & SPORTS CLUBS

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien announce €4.5 million to improve community facilities and sports clubs

Funding to support local groups to re-open their facilities post Covid-19
Small grants for repairs and renovations, new equipment and safety upgrades
Community Enhancement Programme to focus on disadvantaged areas
Clubs to be assisted in purchasing new equipment and sports gear

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, have recently announced €4.5 million to support community groups and sports clubs impacted by Covid-19.

The 2021 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) will provide small capital grants designed to assist in the re-opening of facilities such as community centres, men’s and women’s sheds, parish halls and youth centres.

Sports clubs will also be given financial support to purchase equipment and sports gear, as well as to carry out minor upgrades that will benefit its members.

The grants will range from a few hundred euro up to €10,000, however, exceptions will be made depending on the application.

The funding may be used to carry out necessary renovations and repairs or to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and so on.

The Community Enhancement Programme, which to date has supported over 8,000 projects, places a focus on supporting groups in disadvantaged areas.

The key theme of this year’s programme is supporting groups as they their re-open facilities which have been closed due to Covid-19.

As the grants are relatively small, this programme may appeal to groups that are not eligible for the €10 million Covid Stability Fund, which was launched last week.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:

“This funding is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and sports clubs, which are the lifeblood of our communities.

“As we come out of Covid-19, so many of these organisations will incur specific costs relating to the re-opening of their facilities.

“This could range from purchasing a new set of tables and chairs to repairing a leak in the roof or renovating the kitchen facility.

“Sports clubs will also be supported in terms of purchasing new equipment or sports gear which will improve the experience of their members.

“These grants may be small in nature. But I know they will go a long way in helping thousands of great community organisations and clubs the length and breadth of the country.

“I would encourage all interested groups to get in touch with their Local Community Development Committee that administers the programme in their area.

“Supporting local communities to shape their future is a key focus of the Government’s new rural development policy, Our Rural Future. The funding I am announcing today will benefit every single county and ensure that important small scale, ground-up projects can be delivered by local communities for local communities.”

Also announcing the funding today, Minister O’Brien said:

“The CEP is a really practical support to smaller community groups and facilities that are active at a grassroots level. This past year has, once again, shown the importance of a vibrant Community and Voluntary sector.

“The efforts of local community groups & volunteers throughout the pandemic has been immense and, as we recover from the pandemic, we are conscious that something different is needed for many groups this year, and that is why with the CEP this year there is a focus on grants towards reopening facilities.”

The CEP was launched for the first time in 2018 by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Between 2018 and the end of 2020 the CEP has funded over 8,000 projects across the country.

The CEP was the result of the first significant exercise in the streamlining of schemes and programmes carried out by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It combined two existing schemes so that funding is now provided to improve facilities in a manner that is more flexible and responsive at a local level.

The CEP provides vital support to community groups in order to help them improve their facilities. It supports small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing lawnmowers and IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings. Ultimately the Programme responds to local needs and therefore it also provides some funding towards larger projects where needed.

In order to allow flexibility, the Department is not setting a national closing date, but will allow each LCDC to set its own, to best suit its area. The Department will require that all closing dates are no later than 16th July 2021. Groups should check with their LCDC for further details.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

May 11, 2021

Driver Theory Tests Must Resume Immediately

IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe has called for the immediate resumption of the Driver Theory Test Service.

“I previously wrote to Minister Hildegarde Naughton pointing out that there are many essential workers who need to secure a Category B and/or W Driver Licence in order to deliver essential services on farms during the Summer, and as part of employment with agricultural contractors.”

The service was supposed to resume last Tuesday, but it remains suspended until further notice.

Minister Hildegarde Naughton confirmed in the Dáil last week that the Driver Theory Test has not been classified as an essential service and will remain closed.

An online pilot allows candidates to take their Driver Theory Test for buses and trucks remotely from their own home.

While pre-pandemic capacity was approximately 15,000 tests per month, the rollout of this online option for cars is planned to begin during May, with up to 3,000 online car Driver Theory Tests being conducted per month.

Mr Rushe concluded by saying that the backlog of candidates waiting for a test continues to grow and that capacity must be increased to make online testing available for essential workers without further delay.

Ends.

May 11, 2021

€10m Community Fund Launched

Ministers Humphreys, McGrath and O’Brien launch €10m Community Fund

€10 million Covid Stability Fund to support community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises
Supports for organisations which deliver critical services to the vulnerable
Community centres providing social services can also apply for funding
Fund to prioritise groups who have not received support since onset of pandemic

Applications have opened for a €10 million fund designed to support community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises, which have suffered as a result of the pandemic.

The Covid Stability Fund 2021 was launched jointly today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD, and Minister of State with special responsibility for Charities and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD.

The Fund is targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic.

Priority will be given to organisations that have not previously received State support since the onset of the Pandemic.

Examples of the organisations that can apply include those that provide:

Family supports and supports for the elderly
Domestic Abuse and addiction services
Mental health and disability supports
Education supports in disadvantaged communities
Community centres that provide social services

The €10 million investment builds on the €45 million Covid Stability Fund 2020, which supported almost 600 organisations across the country.

Announcing the call for applications, Minister Humphreys said:

“I am really pleased to invite applications for this new €10 million fund today. Our community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises deliver vital services right across the country and I want to ensure they receive the support necessary to help them get back on their feet post-Covid.

“There is a specific focus in this funding call on supporting organisations that have not previously received funding from the State since the onset of the Pandemic.

“As society reopens, the services provided by so many great organisations across the country will be more important than ever.

“Along with my colleague Minister Joe O’Brien, I will be making a separate call for applications under the Community Enhancement Programme shortly. This Fund is another option for community groups and may be more suitable for smaller organisations in particular who are seeking financial supports through the form of capital grants to enable them to reopen safely.”

Also announcing the Stability Fund today, Minister McGrath said:

“Throughout this pandemic, our voluntary and community groups, charities and social enterprises, have played a critical role.

“The objective of the Stability fund is to provide an immediate, targeted cash injection that will not have to be repaid.

“This money will stabilise the position of these organisations by allowing them to meet their immediate costs, usually funded through fundraised/earned-income”

Also speaking today, Minister O’Brien said:

“I know how important the Covid Stability Fund has been during such a challenging time.

“As we work towards reopening Irish society, it is critical that organisations supporting our communities are provided with the resources necessary to allow them to continue their vital services particularly to those most marginalised which is why I, along with my colleagues, am very pleased to provide this additional €10 million funding for the scheme.

“I hope that this coupled with the soon to be announced Community Enhancement Programme funding for smaller community groups, will help ensure that our communities continue to be supported by the immense work of the C&V sector across Ireland.”

More information about this fund is available on the Pobal website

Separately, the Department intends to launch the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme over the coming days.

That programme may be more relevant to smaller community groups and it is recommended that they monitor the Department’s website or stay in touch with their Local Community Development Committee, who will be administering the programme in their area, for further details.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

May 6, 2021

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys Announces €15m Fund to Revitalise Rural Towns & Villages

Tackling dereliction a key focus of new enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Funding available to turn vacant buildings in town centres into remote working hubs, enterprise spaces, cultural, tourism and community hubs

Scheme encourages Collaborative Projects to upgrade shop fronts and inject street facades with colour and vibrancy

Investment in green spaces in town centres

Marketing Campaigns to attract remote workers to rural Ireland

Grants from €20,000 to €500,000 available

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has this week announced €15 million in funding to help revitalise rural towns and villages post Covid-19.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is designed to breathe new life into rural communities – making them more attractive places to live, work, socialise and raise a family.

The initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future – the Government’s five year strategy to revitalise rural Ireland.

The measures that will be supported by the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme include:

Tackling dereliction in town centres
Turning vacant properties into remote working and community spaces
Supporting Local Authorities to run innovative marketing campaigns targeted at attracting remote workers to their county.
Investing in green spaces, parks and recreational amenities
Upgrading and improving shop fronts & streetscapes on Main Streets
Projects that support and enhance the night time economy and add vibrancy to town centres

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is administered through the Local Authorities, who are required to work closely with local communities and local businesses to develop and implement proposals.

The previous maximum grant of €200,000 has been increased to €500,000 under this year’s scheme so that projects of scale can be supported.

Launching the Scheme today, Minister Humphreys said:

“As part of the Government ambitious new rural development policy, Our Rural Future, I am determined to make our rural towns and villages vibrant and attractive places to live, work, socialise and raise a family.

“As part of the €15 million Fund I am announcing today, I want to see innovative and exciting projects coming forward that will make a real and lasting difference in our rural towns and villages.

“The focus of this year’s scheme is to renovate derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres and give them a new purpose – whether it is for remote working, cultural or community use. I have increased the maximum grant to €500,000 this year so that projects of scale and ambition can be put forward.

“I also want to see Local Authorities engaging with local businesses and property owners on our main streets and putting forward collaborative projects to upgrade shop fronts and enhance our streetscapes. Support is also available for murals in our town centres, perhaps dedicated to local cultural or sporting personalities and events. This is all about adding colour and vibrancy to our towns and villages making them more attractive places to live, work in and visit.

“Most importantly, I want to seize the momentum around remote working and for that reason, I am supporting Local Authorities to run innovative marketing campaigns highlighting what their area has to offer in terms of remote working facilities as well as cultural and recreational amenities. This is about showcasing our rural towns and villages with the aim of attracting remote workers and the so called ‘digital nomads’ to come and live in rural Ireland.”

Full details of the scheme are available on gov.ie

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

May 5, 2021

COMPETITION MUST BE RESTORED TO BANK SECTOR

IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe said IFA has called on the Government to address competition in the banking sector following KBC Group’s announcement to exit the Irish market.

“KBC’s departure is further evidence that the banking sector is dysfunctional and not fit for purpose,” he said.

“This news further erodes the diminished level of competition in the banking sector, given the recent decision by NatWest to wind down its Ulster Bank operations,” he said.

“Effectively, we’re left with three fully-serviced lenders.”

Mr Rushe said that the Government, Central Bank and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission can no longer stand idly by without taking tangible actions to reintroduce competition to the sector.

“The Government and other stakeholders must look at the issues in the sector from the perspective of borrowers. This ground-up view will enable decision-makers to clearly identify the needs of borrowers and reform the sector accordingly.”

“In the short-term, it must be an immediate priority for the Government to allocate the necessary resources and support to develop full-service community lenders such as Post Offices and Credit Unions as an alternative to our uncompetitive banking sector.”

“Moreover, efforts must be made to attract foreign lenders into the Irish market by reforming the financial crisis-era capital requirements which are driving up the cost of capital for lenders and deterring new entrants,” concluded Rushe.

April 20, 2021

RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY MUST BE IMPLEMENTED

IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe said the Rural Development Policy announced by the Government today must be implemented.

“Much of what is contained in the report about farming and food is already in train, or refers to commitments that have been made before, but have yet to be implemented,” he said.

“It does acknowledge the central role played by the agri-food sector outside of the main cities. For the sector to maintain its contribution, the Government has to pursue policies that allow it to grow,” he said.

Mr Rushe said the report raises valid aspirations about what’s needed to develop the economy on a regional basis, but it contains initiatives which are re-heated.

“For example, the single biggest barrier to making rural communities more attractive places to live and work is the lack of broadband. Unless this is rectified, it remains very difficult for families in rural areas to function,” he said.

The same applies to other services – roads, transport, banking – which require upgrading if they’re to be fit for purpose.

The IFA President said the recent announcement about the closure of bank branches runs counter to the plan to have vibrant rural communities.

March 30, 2021

HORTICULTURAL PEAT HARVESTING MUST RESUME IMMEDIATELY

Ahead of the first meeting of the Peat Consultation group taking place, IFA Horticulture Chairman Paul Brophy said the priority of the consultation group must be the resumption of the harvesting of horticultural peat immediately.

The Irish horticulture sector is a significant contributor to the Irish economy, with a farm gate value of €437 million. It employs an estimated 6,600 people, while a further 11,000 are employed in downstream businesses.

Paul Brophy recently addressed the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture meeting and called for the urgent introduction of new legislation to allow horticultural peat harvesting to resume.

“It’s very contradictory of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action to recommend the expansion of the horticulture sector to avail of opportunities for import substitution and farm diversification, while the native raw material is being reduced,” he said.

Paul Brophy stressed that there is no viable alternative to peat in sections of the commercial horticulture sector.

As a major segment of the Irish horticulture sector relies on peat, particularly the mushroom and ornamental sectors, the ending of peat harvesting will have a negative impact.

“Producers will either have to close their business or import peat, which would add extra cost to their business. In the current market environment, it would be impossible to retrieve these costs from the market. This would also have adverse knock-on effects for the tillage, poultry and forestry sectors, resulting in a considerable blow to the rural economy.”

March 9, 2021

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