Inconic Tidy Towns Competition Returns

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 2nd 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

Wild Atlantic Nature Project

Wild Atlantic Nature Project

Maximum Flexibility Needed for Successful Wild Atlantic Nature Project

An IFA delegation held a meeting this week with the new Wild Atlantic Nature Project and said it has to give farmers maximum flexibility.

The delegation included IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins, IFA Hill Chairman Flor McCarthy, Mayo IFA Hill Rep Pat Chambers and Mayo IFA Chairman Jarlath Walsh.

They held an outdoor hill assessment meeting in Mayo.

The Project is focused primarily on the blanket bog SACs and associated lands from Galway Bay up to north Donegal and the objective is to achieve good habitat quality in the north-western SACs.

Both Derek McLoughlin and Garry Goggins of the LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature project gave a detailed presentation on how each land parcel would be scored on an actual inspection.  The presence of undisturbed ground with many of the local grasses, heathers and moss will score the maximum points while poached or overgrazed and the presence of turf cutting may reduce the score.

Questions were raised about how each individual’s enclosed and commonage lands will be marked on the complex score card system which will determine payment rates.

IFA Hill Committee Chairman Flor McCarthy said, “The Wild Atlantic Nature Life IP or any other scheme must not lead to increased restrictions on farms and we welcome clarification that participating farmers will be allowed to stock their land to its potential”.

It is planned to pilot the project in the Owenduff/Nephin SAC area for 2021 and 2022 with payments for both years.  It is to open for all farmers in the Owenduff/Nephin SAC area to submit an Expression of Interest from Monday next until June 14th.

IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins said all farmers who submit an expression of interest to participate in the project must be included.

Mayo IFA Chairman Jarlath Walsh advised farmers who wished to join the pilot project to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions.

Details of the new scheme will be published and circulated to hill farmers in the area immediately.

Ends.

May 20, 2021

€10.m Allocated for Upgrade Works on Rural Roads & Laneways

€10.m Allocated for Upgrade Works on Rural Roads & Laneways

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys allocates €10.5 million for upgrade works on rural roads and laneways

  • Funding to improve access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities         
  • Every  county to receive budget increase
  • Minister Humphreys: Supporting connectivity in rural Ireland is vital

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has this week (14 May 2021) announced the allocation of €10.5 million for repairs and improvement works on non-public roads in rural communities.

The funding, announced under the Local Improvement Scheme, will improve access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.

The €10.5 million allocation represents a 5% increase compared to 2020, with every county receiving an increase.

Over €68 million has now been invested under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017.

The focus of the scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents.

Announcing the €10.5 million in funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“As part of ‘Our Rural Future’, the Government has committed to increasing the level of investment in the repair of non-public roads through the Local Improvement Scheme..

“I am therefore really pleased today to announce a 5% increase in funding under the Local Improvement Scheme.

 “The Local Improvement Scheme is an important source of funding for small non-public roads and laneways leading to homes and farms as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.

“Since the scheme was re-introduced in 2017, close to 2,400 roads have been funded for repair works. This has made a real difference to the lives of over 10,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland.”

Minister Humphreys added:

“I know there is a significant demand for funding under the Local Improvement Scheme right across the country. That is why I am today announcing increased funding for every county under the scheme, however, I am acutely aware that more is needed. I am working to identify if additional funding can be provided for LIS in 2021 and I would therefore urge each Local Authority to utilise the funding announced today, and complete the repair works on the selected roads, as soon as possible.

“This would position them well to undertake repairs on additional roads before the end of the year should further funding become available.”

The allocation to each county under the Local Improvement Scheme for 2021 is set out below.

Local Authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners.

The funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/householders, as well as Local Authority resources.

There will be a cap of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs to their road.

Allocations under the 2021 Local Improvement Scheme

County                      Amount

Carlow                       €270,000

Cavan                        €289,254

Clare                          €500,811

Cork                            €920,000

Donegal                     €697,456

Galway                       €876,959

Kerry                          €689,930

Kildare                       €270,000

Kilkenny                    €308,905

Laois                          €270,000

Leitrim                        €270,000

Limerick                     €404,090

Longford                    €270,000

Louth                          €270,000

Mayo                          €798,496

Meath                         €346,394

Monaghan                 €270,000

Offaly                          €298,871

Roscommon              €375,104

Sligo                           €276,154

Tipperary                   €619,969

Waterford                  €278,802

Westmeath                €276,433

Wexford                     €349,878

Wicklow                     €302,494

Total: €10,500,000

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

 

Notes to editor:

The LIS was reintroduced in September 2017 and over €58 million has already been provided for works on close to 2,400 roads. The additional funding announced today will bring that total to over €68 million.

Eligible Roads

Eligible roads under the Local Improvement Scheme are:

  • non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons.; or
  • Non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, mountains, etc.

Non Eligible Roads

Non-eligible roads include:

  • Roads serving only houses or buildings occupied or used by persons not engaged in Agriculture, and
  • Roads leading to commercial enterprises.

May 18, 2021

FUEL PRICES INCREASE BY OVER 30% IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS

FUEL PRICES INCREASE BY OVER 30% IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS

IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh said there’s been a significant rise in fuel prices across the country over the last 12 months, following the completion of a national survey by IFA.

“Fuel prices have increased by over 30% compared to this time last year, which can be attributed to the recovery in crude oil prices.”

The spot price for a barrel of crude oil collapsed to $20 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, but it has steadily returned to pre-pandemic price levels this month ($65-$70).

This rise in fuel prices reflects the latest CSO figures on agricultural input prices which demonstrated that farmers are caught in a classic cost-price squeeze.

“The rise in input prices without a corresponding increase in output prices means that the difference is coming out of farmers’ pockets, and impacting on their bottom line,” said Rose Mary McDonagh.

IFA has completed a national survey on the price of white diesel, green diesel and kerosene.

The average prices quoted incl. VAT were as follows:

White diesel – €1.31/litre,

Green diesel – €0.69/litre, and

Kerosene – €0.65/litre.

There were variations of over €0.09/litre incl. VAT between the counties surveyed.

On 1,000 litres of green diesel incl. VAT, the saving could be as high as €98.

Allowing for outliers, there is little price variation across the country compared to this time last year. Notwithstanding that, IFA is reminding its members that it pays to shop around for fuel.

Rosemary McDonagh added that some suppliers indicated that purchases in larger volumes tend to work out cheaper, particularly if paying on the day. Purchasing groups tended to receive the keenest quotes.

“Further discounts can be secured when ordering fuel online,” concluded Ms. McDonagh.

 

 

May 18, 2021

Most common items illegally dumped in Coillte forests during Covid include washing machines, fridge/freezers, household waste, tyres, beds and sofas

Most common items illegally dumped in Coillte forests during Covid include washing machines, fridge/freezers, household waste, tyres, beds and sofas

Most common items illegally dumped in Coillte forests during Covid include washing machines, fridge/freezers, household waste, tyres, beds and sofas  

  • Increased CCTV and surveillance in operation at known forest dumping blackspots 
  • €2 million* spent by Coillte on forest clean ups in the past five years 

Coillte reveals that the most commonly illegally dumped items to the nation’s forests over the past year include:

  1. Washing machines/fridge freezers (these are almost always free to re-cycle at your local bring centre.)
  2. Household waste, e.g., black sacks sometimes with food, nappies, cans and bottles (the latter two can be re-cycled at no cost)
  3. Tyres
  4. Beds and sofas, household furniture
  5. Building rubble i.e. old bricks, wooden planks and soil

“Illegal dumping and fly tipping remain a serious issue for the nation’s forests” said Mick Power, Coillte’s National Estates Manager. “The vast majority of visitors are respectful and bring all their litter home, which Coillte and staff on the ground appreciate enormously”. 

 There is a small number of people who make the public roads and entrances to our forests unsightly, some of the rubbish is foul smelling, attracts vermin and is a health and safety hazard for families, their children and their dogs”, according to Power. 

Coillte has spent almost €2million to remove illegally dumped waste from its forests over the past five years. This material is often discarded at forest entrances or along the forest boundaries which makes it unsightly and unsanitary for visitors.

Illegal dumping causes serious environmental problems including:

  • Damage to habitats and biodiversity
  • Polluting soils, rivers and drinking waters

 

Coillte takes the issue of illegal dumping extremely seriously and works closely with the Gardaí and the local council authorities to ensure offenders are prosecuted. In known blackspot areas, Coillte has increased its surveillance by deploying remote cameras to monitor illegal dumping activity and to help seek prosecutions.

Coillte encourages the public to report all instances of illegal dumping to the relevant Local Authorities immediately or contact Coillte directly via its confidential forest security hotline on 1890 800 455.

Coillte also operates a “Love this place, leave no trace” litter policy.

“We continue to welcome people to Coillte forests knowing they provide a much needed physical and mental boost for so many during Covid. We ask all visitors to the forests to bring home any litter with them – just like you were never there, “ said Power. “That way forests remain beautiful for everyone.”

Notes: 

*€1,977,500 spent by Coillte on removal of illegal dumping from forests in the past five years, averaging €395,000 per year.    

 

Over the past 15 years in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains, Coillte has been an active partner in the PURE project. The PURE Project is an environmental project established to combat illegal dumping/fly tipping in the Wicklow/Dublin uplands.

http://www.pureproject.ie/

May 11, 2021

€4.5m TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY FACILITIES & SPORTS CLUBS

€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

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

€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

ASSAULT & BREACHES OF FISHERIES ACT COSTS POACHER €2,400

ASSAULT & BREACHES OF FISHERIES ACT COSTS POACHER €2,400

Tuesday, 4th of May 2021: Mr Craig Brew from Clonmel was convicted by Judge Marian O’Leary at Cork District Court on Wednesday, 21st of April 2021 on five charges including assaulting Fisheries Officers. Officers of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) had observed Mr Brew fishing in a prohibited area known as the ‘Flush’ at the face of the ESB Inniscarra Dam on the 23rd of May 2020.

Mr Brew was fined €500 for illegal entry upon the private fishery, €400 for obstructing the Fisheries Officers, €500 for assault and €300 for not having a Salmon Rod Ordinary Licence. Judge O’Leary fined the defendant €300 for using a vehicle to aid the commission of an offence and also considered an ancillary disqualification for the use of the vehicle. Costs of €400 were awarded to IFI and an order for forfeiture of the fishing rods used was granted.

Evidence was heard that Mr Brew, who had travelled from Tipperary to Cork during the Covid-19 lockdown, had refused to cooperate and violently threatened and resisted the Fisheries Officers before Gardaí Síochána arrived to assist.

Sean Long, Director of the South Western River Basin District said: ‘The welfare of our Fisheries Officers is of foremost importance to IFI and that they can carry out their necessary work while ensuring their own personal safety. We are concerned at the level of threatening and aggressive behaviour towards Fisheries Officers in the area and on social media. While we are satisfied with the convictions in this case, an assault on a Fisheries Officer is a severe matter and offenders will be prosecuted without exception. I urge anglers and members of the public to report illegal fishing through IFI’s confidential hotline on 1890 34 74 24 or 1890 FISH 24.’

For more information on Inland Fisheries Ireland, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie.

May 5, 2021