Tirlán hosted a meeting with several Irish MEPs ahead of their travels to Brussels for the first session of the new European Parliament term.
The aim of the meeting, which was held today (Friday, August 30), was to brief MEPs across constituencies and party groupings on the economic significance of the Irish dairy sector, while highlighting the need for continuing support and protection of Irish farming communities at a European-level.
While the parliament did meet after June’s elections to elect its officials and establish committees, the legislative work of the new parliament gets underway when its summer recess ends next month.
The MEPs in attendance were Billy Kelleher (Fianna Fáil), Michael McNamara (independent), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Fianna Fáil), Barry Cowen (Fianna Fáil), Kathleen Funchion (Sinn Fein) and Nina Carberry (Fine Gael).
The meeting served to brief the MEPs on the economic impact of the agriculture sector in general, particularly it’s contribution to employment opportunities and rural community development.
Among the various issues discussed at the meeting was the importance of retaining the nitrates derogation beyond 2025.
The nitrates derogation allows farmers to exceed the limit of 170kg of livestock manure nitrogen (N) per hectare, as stipulated in the nitrates regulations, up to a maximum of 220kgN/ha (or 250kgn/ha in small areas of exception).
Tirlán
MEPs were also briefed on Tirlán’s Farming for Water: River Slaney Project, as a potential blueprint for adaptation in other EU members states.
The project aims to improve water quality across the Slaney River catchment area of counties Wexford, Carlow, and Wicklow through collaborative efforts with local Tirlán suppliers.
Tirlán’s Chairperson, John Murphy, said: “We are very pleased to welcome so many of our MEPs here ahead of what will no doubt be a very busy term in the European Parliament.
“It is vitally important to Ireland’s agri-sector that our MEPs use their strong collective voice to advocate on behalf of farming families across the country.
“The dairy and grain industries are key to Ireland’s rural economy. Our politicians and policymakers need to understand and support our farmers.
“Agriculture as an indigenous employer cannot be underestimated and must be at the forefront of their work in Europe. In particular the retention of the derogation is a key ask of our MEPs. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with our representatives,” he added.
Tirlán’s chief executive officer, Seán Molloy, said: “It is an opportune time to show our MEPs how the dairy sector is adapting in a sustainable manner, while retaining our position as world-class food producers and economic drivers.
“As the new European Parliament convenes, we ask our MEPs to advocate on behalf of Irish agriculture and to support Irish farm families, as well as the wider community directly and indirectly employed in the sector,” he said.
The European delegates also received a tour of Tirlán’s premises and facilities in Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny.