ICSA president, Dermot Kelleher, has said that the Climate Bill will be completely futile if there is not active engagement with the farming community. Speaking.
GOOD NEWS: Buyers can return to mart rings from May 17
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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D has confirmed that buyers may return to mart rings, while adhering to public guidelines, from May 17.
The decision was made at a meeting of the Cabinet on April 29. Online trading will continue to be facilitated, alongside the return of in-ring buying.
Buyers may attend the sales ring and view stock in pens. However, this must be done by prior appointment with the livestock mart. Buyers who wish to be present at ringside must wear face coverings and adhere to strict 2m social distancing. Marts must also prevent the congregation of members of the public in the mart car park or at entry ways into mart buildings.
Driver theory test must be classified as an essential service
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15 Apr 2021
Tim Cullinan - the IFA President is calling for the driver theory test to be classified as an essential service );
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Irish Farmers Association (IFA) President, Tim Cullinan, has written to Minister of State at the Department of Transpor,t Hildegarde Naughton, appealing for the Department to allow candidates to take the Driver Theory Test remotely.
“I pointed out to Minister Naughton 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, stressed Mr Cullinan.
IFA meets with Bank of Ireland representatives on branch closures
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A delegation from IFA met with Bank of Ireland head of retail banking, Gavin Kelly, today, March 4 to outline its views on the decision by the bank to close 88 branches around the country.
IFA President Tim Cullinan said, “We made it clear to BOI that this decision has been very badly received in rural Ireland. We previously described it as a ‘slap in the face’ and that is how people in rural Ireland see it”.
He said that in light of the recent withdrawal of Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland’s decision to close branches, it’s clear that rural Ireland is now more dependent than ever on the Post Office network.
Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has highlighted the ongoing problems of Ash dieback fungal disease as many farmers and landowners throughout the countr.