Claire Mc Cormack

Claire Mc Cormack Profile Picture

Claire Mc Cormack is from an agricultural background in Westmeath. She holds a BA from Maynooth University, an M.Phil from TCD and an MA in Journalism from DCU. She was awarded the ‘Veronica Guerin Memorial Scholarship’ 2013-2014. Claire writes on all aspects of farming and rural life. Formerly, she worked as rural affairs correspondent at Irish Independent/Farming Independent, and as a reporter at Sunday Independent. She is currently doing an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development at UCD. Claire was awarded 'Best Online' in the digital category at the Guild of Agricultural Journalism Awards 2018.

‘Constant appealing’ of forestry licences causing ‘chaos’ for sector

Forestry

‘Constant appealing’ of forestry licences causing ‘chaos’ for sector

The “constant appealing” of forestry licences being issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is causing “serious...
‘We are prioritising everything else – before a farmer’s life’

Rural Life

‘We are prioritising everything else – before a farmer’s life’

When it comes to agriculture, there appears to be a greater emphasis on protecting the environment than on protecting the...
EU set to revise live animal transport legislation

Beef

EU set to revise live animal transport legislation

The European Commission has outlined its intention to revise its animal welfare legislation – including on live animal transport. The...
EU touts ‘a more plant-based diet’ – with less red meat

Beef

EU touts ‘a more plant-based diet’ – with less red meat

Moving towards a more plant-based diet with reduced levels of red and processed meat has been identified as a “less...
EU aims to reward farms that remove carbon under new business model

CAP / Schemes

EU aims to reward farms that remove carbon under new business model

Farming practices that remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere should be rewarded in line with the development of new...
Irish agriculture ‘cannot be undermined’ by EU policies – Creed

Beef

Irish agriculture ‘cannot be undermined’ by EU policies – Creed

The targets for processing and food production as outlined in the EU’s ‘Farm to Fork’ and ‘Biodiversity’ strategies – published...
‘I personally know of a family who waited 7 weeks to get results’ – Naughten

Agri Politics

‘I personally know of a family who waited 7 weeks to get results’ – Naughten

The Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) decision to suspend its practice of sharing medical results with employers before employees, has been...
60% of Covid-19 positive meat plant staff ‘recovered and returned’ to work – MII

Beef

60% of Covid-19 positive meat plant staff ‘recovered and returned’ to work – MII

An estimated 60% of meat plant employees, who tested positive for Covid-19, have recovered and have returned to work, Meat...
Live cattle shipment to Algeria cancelled – again

Beef

Live cattle shipment to Algeria cancelled – again

Roundwood Park Livestock Limited and Premium Livestock have cancelled its shipment of live cattle that was scheduled to depart for...
APS storage for Irish cheese oversubscribed within first 24 hours

CAP / Schemes

APS storage for Irish cheese oversubscribed within first 24 hours

Ireland, Italy, Sweden and the UK have already used up 100% of their allocations under the latest Aids to Private...
Cattle shipment to Algeria back on track as ‘issues resolved’

Beef

Cattle shipment to Algeria back on track as ‘issues resolved’

Issues relating to a shipment of live cattle to Algeria “have been resolved”, with the boatload now expected to depart...
Ken Ring’s look-ahead to summer weather in Ireland…

Environment

Ken Ring’s look-ahead to summer weather in Ireland…

Long-range weather forecaster Ken Ring has shared his distinctive predictions for the coming summer months across the country. The New...
EU auditors: Taxpayer-funded retrofit scheme falls short on energy savings – despite cost

Agri-Business

EU auditors: Taxpayer-funded retrofit scheme falls short on energy savings – despite cost

A Government retrofitting scheme aimed at improving the energy efficiency and warmth of homes has been criticised by the European Court...
Livestock vessel intended for Algeria lingers off Waterford coast

Beef

Livestock vessel intended for Algeria lingers off Waterford coast

Livestock carrying vessel – the Sarah M – which had been scheduled to transport up to 1,200 bulls and bullocks...
‘We can’t have the Green Party ruling the roost’ – Cullinan

Agri Politics

‘We can’t have the Green Party ruling the roost’ – Cullinan

The levels of carbon sequestration already taking place on Irish farms and the scientific evidence affirming that methane needs to...
Creed urged to intervene on Algerian live export issue

Beef

Creed urged to intervene on Algerian live export issue

The president of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) is urging the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to “personally...
Boatload of bulls and bullocks bound for Algeria cancelled

Beef

Boatload of bulls and bullocks bound for Algeria cancelled

Roundwood Park Livestock Limited has confirmed that its scheduled livestock departure – of up to 1,200 bulls and bullocks –...
Early payments under Organic Farming Scheme commence

CAP / Schemes

Early payments under Organic Farming Scheme commence

The early commencement of balancing payments on the Organic Farming Scheme has been announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food...