Members of Leitrim and Sligo Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) formed two separate protests today (Monday, March 4) prior to meeting with county councils.
The protests formed part of the IFA’s ‘Enough is Enough’ campaign and called for focus on regional issues.
Both counties protested over issues surrounding proposed water charges, ash dieback and local planning issues.
Leitrim IFA chair, Liam Gilligan said there was a turnout of over 60 people, and over 20 tractors in Kinlough, Co. Leitrim.
He said that farmers highlighted some of the main concerns of the campaign, such as delayed payments and concerns over the passing of the Nature Restoration Law, but also more local issues for Co. Leitrim.
One of the main local concerns raised was planning permission for one-off houses.
Gilligan said all of the present councillors spoke with the farmers on the ground and “supported the IFA entirely”.
“When you have such a turnout of farmers in such a small place, it shows you the frustration that is there and a lot of councillors are farmers themselves, so they see that,” Gilligan said
Sligo IFA
Sligo IFA chair, Michael O’Dowd said there were about 50 farmers of all ages protesting outside county council buildings in Co. Sligo today.
O’Dowd said that IFA members were invited to attend the county council meeting, where all councillors present supported the IFA’s cause “unanimously”.
The county council passed a resolution, which stated that it “acknowledges the income challenge on Irish farms arising from the significant increase in the cost of doing business, regulatory costs and cuts in basic income support for farmers”.
O’Dowd told Agriland that Sligo County Council called on the government to not introduce any further regulations on farmers, or on any measures that may increase costs, without negotiation with the IFA.
“Issues are becoming critical and this is the last chance to continue with farming,” O’Dowd said.
He said local issues for Sligo, such as numbers of dog wardens and the planning process were also discussed.
“It’s very difficult to get anything built in this county with the restrictive nature of council policy,” O’Dowd added.
Both Meath and Monaghan IFA members also met with local county council representatives today.