Farmers praised as Irish corncrake numbers increase by 5%

Farmers praised as Irish corncrake numbers increase by 5%

Irish Corncrake numbers are increasing

  • Farmers praised for their role in 5% population increase
  • CorncrakeLIFE project and Corncrake Grant Scheme having an impact

At least 197 calling male corncrakes have been recorded in Ireland in 2022. This represents a 5% increase on the 188 birds recorded in 2021 according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The increase in numbers of the much-threatened bird has been welcomed by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD.

Birds were recorded from five counties with Donegal showing a population of 110, Mayo 62, Galway 23, and both Sligo and Kerry have recorded one bird each.

Among the reasons for the increase is the Corncrake LIFE project, which aims to revive the conservation status of the corncrake and ensure it remains a part of rural landscapes for years to come. The project, which is in its second year and is managing almost 500 ha of farmland in cooperation with landowners and farmers across Donegal, Mayo and Galway, was launched earlier this year by Minister Noonan.

The Heritage Minister said this project has raised awareness of the corncrake amongst landowners, farmers and the public in such a positive way that it is now yielding an increase in the numbers of the bird.

“It’s testament to the project and its incredible work in the community that we are seeing a marked increase in Corncrake numbers, especially on its eight project sites. The call of the corncrake was once a ubiquitous sound in meadows and grasslands across Ireland. However, rapid changes to farming practices in the 1970’s spelled doom for the bird. Funding streams, such as the EU LIFE programme, and a change in farming has allowed my Department, working in conjunction with stakeholders in communities to put measures in place to help secure the future of this species, which remains a high conservation priority at a national and European level”.

Corncrake LIFE Project Manager Dr. John Carey said: “We have made some good progress in getting conservation measures in place with project participants and the result-based scheme has had a positive response from farmers. Overall bird numbers have increased in the LIFE project areas too, with some areas showing significant increases.”

He went on to say the locally led ACRES co-operation projects will have an important role to play in 2023. “We are working closely with them to ensure that farmers who select corncrake measures in the scheme will also have full access to the LIFE project and all the additional supports it brings with it. While numbers are moving in the right direction, there is still considerable work required to save the corncrake”

Minister Noonan also praised the Corncrake Grant Scheme, which is administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), for its role in the increase.

“It proved very popular this year with many farmers choosing to delay mowing until August and September. Wildlife-friendly mowing and the provision of refuge strips in fields was also taken up by the majority of participants,” Minister Noonan said.

NPWS Divisional Manger Denis Strong has been involved in corncrake conservation since the mid-90s and say the increase in numbers is down to the number of farmers coming on board.

“It’s great to see the birds doing well again, particularly in areas like the Mullet peninsula where they have increased by 37% on last year’s figures. It’s a testament to the many farmers who are involved in both the Corncrake LIFE project and those who took up the grant scheme which has been running successfully for many years now.” 

ENDS

Corncrake is a species listed for special protection under Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive. Once synonymous with the Irish countryside, the population of Corncrake has declined by 85% since the 1970s, with a similar decrease in range, meaning that the species is now effectively confined to Connacht and Donegal, including offshore islands. Supporting Corncrake in these remaining strongholds is critical to the survival of this species in Ireland.

September 22, 2022

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces the 26 towns to benefit from €2.6 million fund to enhance streetscapes and shopfronts

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces the 26 towns to benefit from €2.6 million fund to enhance streetscapes and shopfronts

  • Each town to receive €100,000 as part of the Streetscape Initiative
  • Projects to include upgrades to building facades, artwork, murals, lighting, street furniture and canopies
  • Investment to help make our rural towns more colourful, vibrant and attractive places
  • Local authorities to begin advertising immediately; Local businesses and retailers encouraged to apply

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the 26 towns and villages that will benefit from a €2.6 million fund to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts.

Under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative, retailers and property owners will be provided with grants that they can use to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.

The overall purpose of the Scheme is to give our towns and villages a facelift and make them more attractive places to live, work or visit.

Minister Humphreys today announced the 26 towns that have been selected for funding with each local authority to receive €100,000 as part of the Initiative.

The Minister today urged businesses, property owners and retailers in the 26 towns to apply to their local authority to avail of funding.

The 26 towns due to receive the funding were selected by each local authority in consultation with local businesses and community groups.

Local authorities will manage the initiative locally and will be advertising for applications in the coming weeks.

The initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future and will make our rural towns and villages more vibrant and attractive places to live, work and visit.

The types of projects that could be supported include:

  • Strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings and/or shopfronts in vibrant colours
  • Upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts
  • Provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes
  • Installation of canopies
  • Murals/public artwork

 

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-7736843 / 087-1734633

[email protected]

 

Photo Caption:

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, standing in front of the Patrick Kavanagh Mural in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. The project was funded under the Department’s Streetscapes Initiative.

The towns where this measure will be delivered are as follows:

County Council Town
Carlow County Council Bagenalstown
Cavan County Council Ballyconnell
Clare County Council Lisdoonvarna
Cork County Council Bandon
Donegal County Council Lifford
Fingal County Council Rush
Galway County Council Tuam
Kerry County Council Tarbert
Kildare County Council Athy
Kilkenny County Council Callan
Laois County Council Abbeyleix
Leitirm County Council Carrick On Shannon
Limerick County Council Foynes
Longford County Council Granard
Louth County Council Omeath
Mayo County Council Ballyhaunis
Meath County Council Trim
Monaghan County Council Clones
Offaly County Council Clara
Roscommon County Council Ballinlough
Sligo County Council Enniscrone
Tipperary County Council Tipperary Town
Waterford County Council Tallow
Westmeath County Council Kilbeggan
Wexford County Council Enniscorthy
Wicklow County Council Newtownmountkennedy

 

 

August 30, 2022

Statement by Minister Noonan on Hunting Licences for Game and Open Seasons Order 2022

Statement by Minister Noonan on Hunting Licences for Game and Open Seasons Order 2022

The Open Season for wild bird hunting will open on 1 September 2022.

Considerable work has been undertaken by NPWS to set out a range of options available for future Open Seasons Order, and a wide ranging consultation with stakeholders and interest groups in relation to future orders will be undertaken over the coming months.  While there is no doubt that this will be a challenging process, I am keen to listen to the views of all of the interested parties.

I would also remind the public that only certain species may be hunted, and only at certain times, as set out below.  The hunting of deer species may only be done with a rifle and still requires a specific Deer Hunting Licence which may be applied for online at npws.ie

The species, and dates between which hunting may take place is in keeping with previous orders.  Based on the information available, the number of species under conservation threat, and our legal obligations under the Birds Directive, changes in the ambit of the 2023/2024 order are very likely. In effect, this will mean the likely removal of certain species from the order.  I do, however, intend consulting with the sector on these changes in advance of their application.

It is known that the conservation status of some of the species that may be hunted in Ireland is declining.  In order to continue to protect and preserve the conservation status of these species, and to support sustainable hunting practices, a new way forward is required.   This must be collaborative, and based on scientific evidence.

HUNTING SEASONS FOR WILD BIRDS & HARES

 

SPECIES

OPEN SEASON
Red Grouse 1 September to 30 September
Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Golden Plover, Snipe, Jack Snipe. 1 September to 31 January
Red-Legged Partridge, Cock Pheasant, Woodcock, Woodpigeon 1 November to 31 January
Canada Geese 

Countrywide

The counties of Cavan (exclusive of the townlands of Eonish Island, Rinn, Deramfield) and Leitrim (exclusive of the River Shannon)

  

1 September to 15 October

16 October to 31 January
Greylag Geese 

Countrywide

Lady’s Island Lake, Co. Wexford and Gearagh East, Gearagh West in Co. Cork only

  

1 September to 15 October

16 October to 31 January
Ruddy Duck 1 September to 31 January
Hares (excluding the following townlands in Co. Wexford: North East Slob, North West Slob, Big Island, Beggerin Island and the Raven). 26 September to 28 February

HUNTING SEASONS FOR DEER SPECIES

SPECIES OPEN SEASON LOCATION
Red Male 1 September to 31 December Throughout the State Excluding Co. Kerry
Red Female & Antlerless Deer * 1 November to 28 February Throughout the State Excluding Co. Kerry
Sika Male 1 September to 31 December Throughout the State
Sika Female & Antlerless Deer * 1 November to 28 February Throughout the State
Fallow Male 1 September to 31 December Throughout the State
Fallow Female & Antlerless Deer * 1 November to 28 February Throughout the State
Muntjac Deer 1 September to 31 August Throughout the State

 

*Antlerless deer will be construed as including any male deer without antlers, of less than one year, i.e. a calf.

August 25, 2022

NPWS Appeals to Public on High Fire Risk Warning 

NPWS Appeals to Public on High Fire Risk Warning 

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) has appealed to members of the public to be conscious of the dangers posed by fire and to exercise extreme caution over this high risk period.

Recent similar hot weather conditions have seen increased fire activity firmly associated with public recreation activities.  Members of the public intending to visit National Parks and Nature Reserves are reminded to adhere to regulations regarding the lighting of fires.

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1976 to light of any fire which causes or is likely to cause the burning of any vegetation within 1 mile (1.6km) of a woodland or Nature Reserve, and those doing so may face prosecution. The use of barbeques or open fires is strictly prohibited.  Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency vehicle access and may be towed away if causing an obstruction.

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, emphasised the key safety message:

“The message is simple – be careful. Don’t light fires or barbecues, keep access roads clear for emergency services, and if you’re camping, let someone know where you’ll be. There is a high risk of fire right now. Be vigilant and keep yourself and the wild places we all love safe.”

Fires are particularly destructive in spring and summer as it is prime season for nesting birds, breeding mammals and the regeneration of growth. They can cause irreparable damage in our native woodland that can take centuries to recover. Any fires within our high conservation value designated Natura 2000 landscapes (SAC/SPA) have a long lasting negative impact on biodiversity. These fires also add to our Carbon emissions and global warming.

In order to reduce the incidence of wildfires, Conservation Rangers and other NPWS staff will be monitoring and patrolling the network of sites over the coming days and remain in close liaison with the Gardaí and the Fire Service. NPWS will provide aerial surveillance (involving NPWS staff monitoring from helicopters) at some of the National Parks in the coming days.  The NPWS would ask the public to cooperate with staff and comply with their requests during their visit to NPWS sites during this high risk period.

ENDS

Notes

Fires at this time of year are particularly hard to extinguish.   A large fire in Wicklow Mountains National Park in May/June 2019 between Lough Bray and the Sally Gap burnt into the underlying peat and burnt for nearly a month underground. More recently, a fire on the 19th July last that burnt over 200ha of upland conservation habitat and woodland in the National Park and the adjacent Coillte Forest in Glencree continues to burn underground despite being repeatedly doused with water. This fire will in all likelihood only be extinguished by a prolonged period of very heavy rain. This rain may extinguish the fire but the run off of burnt material will enter adjacent streams and rivers and have a negative effect on fish, invertebrates other biodiversity and drinking water quality.

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: [email protected]

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL


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August 12, 2022

Glenveagh National Park Brings the Curriculum Alive for Irish Teachers

Glenveagh National Park Brings the Curriculum Alive for Irish Teachers

As part of its education and awareness remit, the team of staff at Glenveagh National Park in Donegal have resumed the popular summer teachers course ‘Learning Through The Landscape’, which has welcomed 20 participants from all over the country.

The purpose of the week long course, which started back in 2015, is to help teachers learn more about nature and to be inspired to bring more outdoor learning into their practice. “The success of nature conservation work begins with winning the hearts and minds of people – and there’s no better place to start than schools and teachers”, explains Clare Bromley, Head of Education and Learning at Glenveagh.

The course takes the teachers on a hands on learning journey through a range of habitats and showcases how strands in the curriculum can be made more accessible, interactive and engaging for children when taken outside the classroom. Subjects covered include science, maths, geography, art, history and ICT. Its goal is to use the backdrop of the National Park and surrounding Nature Reserves as inspiration for teachers to learn more about Irish Biodiversity. The course is accredited and approved by the Department of Education & Skills as part of its overall CPD programme for teachers each summer and is run in partnership with Donegal Education Centre.

Enjoying the stunning weather this week, the group, led by the team of Education Guides, have explored the importance of woodlands, peatlands and freshwater habitats and the species found in each.  This supports teachers to acquire new knowledge and skills that they can take back to their schools in the year ahead.

Each year Glenveagh works with thousands of school and college students from across the North West, but this popular event remains the highlight of the year, with many teachers keen to share that it is one of the best courses and experiences they have attended.

The participants have had the chance to meet with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Conservation Rangers and also to hear from staff from Inland Fisheries Ireland staff. The course exemplifies the value of strategic partnership working between Departments for the common goal of protecting and raising awareness of nature.

It is hoped that the course will be adapted to run on successive weeks from Summer 2023, given the interest and demand for places.

For more information on the education programme and services in Glenveagh, contact [email protected]

ENDS

August 12, 2022

10th Annual Green Ribbon Walk and Talk Campaign

10th Annual Green Ribbon Walk and Talk Campaign

IFA President Tim Cullinan has encouraged families to attend and support the Green Ribbon walks organised by IFA in partnership with See Change, Coillte, and Mental Health Ireland in support of the Green Ribbon campaign.

Eleven walks have been organised in venues throughout the country during August and September as part of the annual Green Ribbon campaign. The campaign aims to spread awareness about all mental health difficulties to help end mental health stigma and discrimination.

IFA President Tim Cullinan said, “It has been a difficult year for many farmers with increasing demands and rising input costs contributing to a lot of additional stress and strain on many farm families. The Green Ribbon walks provide an opportunity for friends, families and communities to connect”.

IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair Alice Doyle said that this year marks the 10th year that IFA have been involved in the Green Ribbon walks.

“The nature of farming results in many farmers prioritising farm productivity over their own mental health. The Green Ribbon walks provide an opportunity for farmers and rural communities to take time out from their work and socialise with others outdoors.”

This year’s campaign was launched by Mary Butler, Minister of State with Responsibility for Mental Health.

“It is important that there are more conversations to challenge the stigma around mental health, especially in the farming community. Rural isolation and loneliness are real issues and these walks help to strengthen connections within the wider community.”

Managing Director at Coillte Mark Carlin said “Coillte is delighted to continue their support again this year for the Green Ribbon – Let’s Talk & Walk initiative. The health benefits to both our physical and mental wellness from contact with forests and nature is well established and this initiative aims to encourage everyone to get outdoors and use our forests, trails and recreation parks as a place to focus on improving our mental wellness, a challenge we all face in this increasingly fast paced and hectic world.”

“Coillte is very proud to able to host a number of the events around the country to help raise public awareness of mental health and encourage everyone to begin to talk about or support others in acknowledging and coping with the challenges they may be facing. I hope that everyone enjoys a walk in one of the many outstanding forest venues for this event and encourages their friends and family to participate.”

Martin Rogan CEO at Mental Health Ireland welcomed this year’s campaign saying “Mental Health Ireland is delighted to partner with the IFA and See Change on this invitation to ‘Walk and Talk’ – taking a moment to talk and listen can help to get things in perspective, reduce isolation and to see new solutions and options – Simply making some time to being a good friend and neighbour can, make an extraordinary difference and protects everybody’s mental health”.

Barbara Brennan, See Change team leader said, At See Change, we recognise the importance of supporting local communities to talk more openly about mental health.

“You don’t have to be an expert or have all the answers; simply wearing the Green Ribbon shows that you are open to having a conversation about mental health. These walks give farmers and members of rural communities a fantastic space for people to build connections, share knowledge about local support services, and take time out of our busy schedules to enjoy nature, while normalising conversations about mental health.”

August 10, 2022

Great Western Lakes public consultation gets underway

Great Western Lakes public consultation gets underway

Plan covers Lough Corrib, Lough Mask, Lough Carra, Lough Conn, Lough Cullin, Lough Arrow, and Lough Sheelin

Inland Fisheries Ireland has confirmed that a public consultation on the long-term management of the Great Western Lakes gets underway from today (August 9th) and is urging the public, especially the angling community and anyone who uses the lakes, or lives near them, to make a submission.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is the state agency responsible for the protection, conservation and management of the inland fisheries resource and it has developed a draft plan for the long-term management of seven lakes.

Covering Lough Corrib, Lough Mask and Lough Carra (in Galway), Lough Conn and Lough Cullin (in Mayo), Lough Arrow (in Sligo and Roscommon) and Lough Sheelin (in Cavan, Meath and Westmeath), the draft plan aims to address some of the many factors that impact on the ecological wellbeing and status of native fish stocks.

The lakes have long-been designated, as a matter of policy, to be managed primarily as wild brown trout waters. Therefore, the proposed management programmes for these lakes, as set out in the draft plan, will protect, conserve and, where possible, enhance the lakes’ natural attributes and native biodiversity. In turn, this would optimise the lakes’ potential as sustainable wild brown trout fisheries and, in some cases, Atlantic salmon fisheries. Other species such as eels, Artic char and Ferox trout are also reflected in the draft plan.

Launching the six-week public consultation process, Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development with Inland Fisheries Ireland urged the public to participate by reading the draft plan and making a submission. She said: “It’s clear to see that all seven lakes share a series of pressures which are impacting on their ecosystem stability and native fish stocks. These include declining water quality, fisheries habitat loss, invasive species and the detrimental effects of climate change. These issues will be tackled through the various measures proposed in this draft plan. That is why the public consultation process is such an incredibly important step, as it gives the public the perfect opportunity to have their say.”

The draft plan is available from the Inland Fisheries Ireland website at www.fisheriesireland.ie/westernlakesplan or by visiting Inland Fisheries Ireland’s offices in Galway, Ballina or Limerick. The deadline for making a submission is 5pm on Tuesday, September 20th and those wishing to make a submission are being encouraged to use the online questionnaire which will guide them through the headings of the plan. Unfortunately, any submissions received after the deadline has passed cannot be considered.

During the consultation period, a series of open evenings will take place where members of the public can discuss, seek clarification and ask questions on the draft plan with Inland Fisheries Ireland representatives.

Campion added: “We are urging anyone with an interest in the Great Western Lakes, especially anglers, other users of the lakes or those that live nearby, to read the draft plan and have their say by making a written submission online before the September 20th deadline.”

ENDS

August 10, 2022

Ireland’s first captive-bred Natterjack toadlets released into the wild

Ireland’s first captive-bred Natterjack toadlets released into the wild

  • Joint initiative between NPWS and Fota Wildlife Park has released 6,000 toadlets to date
  • This year’s cohort includes toadlets bred in captivity for the first time
  • A new scheme will pay farmers to protect the habitat of this endangered species

Almost 500 Natterjack toadlets were on Monday July 25th, at Castlegregory, Co. Kerry, with the help of the local community. These included toadlets that had spawned in captivity – a first for Ireland and a major milestone in this joint conservation project to protect the endangered Natterjack between National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Fota Wildlife Park.

Captive rearing plays an important role in the conservation of this unique and endangered amphibian and, through these efforts, over 6,000 individuals have been successfully released into the wild to date. Natterjacks endure natural mortality rates as high as 90%, with large numbers of eggs and tadpoles typically lost every summer due to predators and ponds drying out. 2022 has been a particularly challenging year for the toads, with the dry spring and summer meaning that spawning in the wild was very limited.

Through this project, staff from NPWS collect toad spawn and tadpoles from ponds in the wild and transport them to Fota where they are carefully looked after in special holding tanks over the summer months (captive rearing). Following metamorphosis, the resulting toadlets are then returned to the species’ native range in Kerry.

For the first time, the project also produced its own toadlets this year. A small number of mature natterjacks are being held in Fota and these produced spawn (captive breeding), providing a timely boost to the conservation efforts to save the species.

The natural range of the natterjack toad is restricted to the coastal zones of Castlemaine Harbour and Castlegregory in Co Kerry. The species suffered significant losses in range and population in the early 20th century due to land reclamation and changes in agricultural practises in these areas. Latest estimates put the population at less than 10,000 individuals in the wild. As a result the natterjack toad is considered to be endangered in Ireland and is protected under the EU’s Habitats Directive. NPWS efforts to address habitat loss for the toad have focussed on pond creation schemes, with some success. A new results-based farm plan scheme specifically for natterjack toads is now being rolled out by NPWS with local farmers.

Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, who visited Fota last year to see the conservation project for himself, was in Castlegregory on Monday morning to see the toadlets being returned to the wild. “This project is a fantastic example of scientists, conservationists and communities coming together to protect this rare amphibian and the habitat it depends on,” he said. “I want to commend my staff in NPWS, the team in Fota Wildlife Park and the nature lovers of Castlegregory for their efforts. I’m also delighted that local farmers can now benefit from a new results-based farm plan scheme specifically for Natterjack toads. This will pay farmers to manage their land in a way that helps ensure the conservation of this endangered species, and I hope that everyone will get involved.”

 

Welcoming the release, Dr Sean McKeown (Director of Fota Wildlife Park) said: “We’re delighted to be working with the NPWS on the recovery programme for the Natterjack toad. Fota is involved in breeding programmes for endangered species from all over the world, but we are particularly pleased to be able to support this project for a threatened species closer to home. This year’s release of Natterjack toadlets has been of greater significance for Fota as the toadlets being released were for the first time bred at Fota Wildlife Park”.

 

Predation of natterjack tadpoles is a significant cause of mortality in the wild. To avoid predators, natterjacks typically breed in shallow sunny ponds. However, these ponds are susceptible to drying up early. Desiccation of breeding ponds before metamorphosis accounts for significant mortality in Irish natterjacks in some years.

“The natterjack is a boom or bust species,” explained Dr Ferdia Marnell, the amphibian specialist in NPWS who has been overseeing the project. “And this year was not one of the good ones.  The captive rearing ensures that some eggs do make it through to toadlets every year and that is particularly important in dry years like this.” 

Notes 

There are only three amphibians in Ireland:   the common frog and the smooth newt are widespread. The natterjack toad is restricted to coastal areas of west Kerry.

Link to Irish Red Data Book which includes (on Page 47) useful information on natterjacks: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/RL5.pdf

The report from the most recent monitoring survey of Irish natterjacks can be accessed here: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM107.pdf

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: [email protected]

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL

 

July 26, 2022

AIB Have Abandoned More Farming and Rural Customers

AIB Have Abandoned More Farming and Rural Customers

IFA Farm Business National Chair Rose Mary McDonagh says the banking sector is again abandoning the farming community and rural Ireland in the wake if AIB’s decision to withdraw cash services in 70 branches across the country.

The recent announcement that 40% will no longer be offering cash and cheque services at the counter, or through machines inside the branch by 21st October. No form of cash transactions including notes, coins, cheques, foreign exchange, bank drafts; drop safes; night safes or external ATM’s will be available at these branch locations. When you add this to the already cashless AIB branches, that’s more than half of the 170 AIB branch network that will be cashless in the coming months.

“At what point does a bank become irrelevant? AIB must be sailing close to the wind at this stage for Irish farmers and rural dwellers,” Rose Mary McDonagh said.

AIB’s reasoning for this is reduced demand for cash and cheque services, and the huge rise in digital banking.

“How else could demand be anything other than down with Covid-19 lock-downs gripping the country for the last number of years and the Banks closing branches or withdrawing services left, right and centre,” the IFA Farm Business National Chair added.

“It just suits their wider agenda and if past history tells you anything the move is probably only a precursor to eventual branch closures, which must not be allowed happen,” she said.

“The Central Bank, and indeed Government given that AIB is a majority state-owned bank, need to intervene now to protect economic activity and the social fabric of rural towns, villages and its citizens.”

“Offloading bank services to An Post just isn’t acceptable. Don’t get me wrong, having An Post and the Credit Union’s there to pick up the pieces as AIB abandon rural communities indeed certainly helps, but many of their offices just aren’t set up for traditional banking interactions,” she said.

Significant investment and added resources will be needed to more fully support the farming community, and I’m not only talking here in terms of capital investment in their infrastructure/network to facilitate more secure/private financial transitions, but also improved financial offering to the SME market and in turn a competitive nature.

“There is huge financial pressure, uncertainty and worry among farmers at the minute. Farmers across all sectors are being hit by an array of spiralling input costs, which are eroding already low margins for most. Farmers need to know that their financial provider is there for them when needed and that they have a range of low-cost finance options to meet their personal and business financial needs.”

“In the past, farmers could rely on localised in-branch knowledge and expertise. Now, you’d hardly know anyone in the bank. Bank officials don’t know farmers or understand their business either. If you are not on hold on the phone for hours, your driving miles to your nearest branch now and this is unacceptable.”

“The diminished level of competition, and indeed traditional service provision, is a particular cause of concern – particularly among our most elderly and vulnerable members. Banking is a hassle now for many,” Rose Mary McDonagh concluded.

Ends.

July 21, 2022

Final draw for ‘brown tags’ announced for angling on River Lee in 2022

Final draw for ‘brown tags’ announced for angling on River Lee in 2022

To boost conservation efforts, anglers who wish to catch and keep wild salmon from the Lower River Lee this year are being reminded by Inland Fisheries Ireland that ‘brown tag’ regulations are still in force until the season closes on 30th September 2022.

Details for the final online draw in 2022 for ‘brown tags’ have just been announced by Inland Fisheries Ireland. This draw is scheduled to place on Monday, August 8th and the deadline for entering is 5pm on Thursday, August 4th.

The measures are included in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations, signed into law by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, T.D.

Under brown tag regulations, an angler who wishes to ‘harvest’ a wild salmon, i.e. to take or keep it, must attach a brown tag as well as a standard blue tag to the fish. To help conserve stocks of wild salmon within the Lower River Lee, No. 5 or Cork District, 152 brown tags are available for the season and are being distributed to anglers with a valid 2022 rod licence through a series of four online draws.

Up to a quarter of the available number of brown tags can be issued at any one time, under the Wild Salmon and Seatrout Tagging Scheme Regulations. As a result, a batch of 38 tags was issued to anglers in January, another batch was issued in April and a third batch in June. For the fourth and final draw taking place on Monday 8th August, the final batch of 38 tags for the 2022 Angling Season will be issued.

How to apply

Any anglers that are interested in entering the draw are being asked to fill out the form online through the following link: https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/final-2022-online-draw-for-brown-tags-on-lower-river-lee-in-cork, which closes at 5pm on Thursday, 4th August 2022.

Anglers with a 2022 rod licence who are not allocated a brown tag are only permitted to fish for salmon on a ‘catch and release’ basis on the Lower River Lee.

Further details are available from the Inland Fisheries Ireland’s website at www.fisheriesireland.ie, by telephoning the Macroom office on (026) 41221or by emailing [email protected].

 

ENDS 

For media information:

Sarah Bohan

Communications at Inland Fisheries Ireland

E : [email protected]

T : 087 65 39936

July 21, 2022