Louth agricultural sector discuss post-Brexit concerns
A meeting on Brexit its effects on the Agricultural sector took place in the Carrickdale Hotel last Tuesday (March 26).
Speakers on the evening included: Damian McDonald, Director General Irish Farmers Association, Charlie McConalogue TD,
Spokesperson for Agriculture, Food & The Marine, Patsy McGlone MLA, Spokesperson for Agriculture and Brendan Smith TD Cavan Monaghan, Candidate European Parliament Election.
Local Fianna Fáil election candidate for the Carlingford-Dundalk area, Erin McGreehan who was also in attendance at the well-attended event, told the Dundalk Democrat:
“The evening served as a opportunity for local people to ask questions about Brexit and how it will affect the agricultural sector.
“At the talk I highlighted the fact that the haulage sector is facing a massive threat with regards Brexit. Trucks are crossing the border every day. No matter what way Brexit turns out, hauliers will be affected and will have extra work to do as a result of Brexit.
“Tourism in the area is also going to be affected by Brexit, hopefully not too drastically, but that's another concern.”
Ms McGreehan added: “A representative from the beef sector also spoke at the event. Beef farming are struggling. They are already being affected by Brexit and the Government aren’t paying attention. There is no clarity on any Brexit supports. The agriculture sector don’t know where they can go for advice.”
“It's a very dangerous interim period - noone knows whats going to happen. There are so many unknowns for farmers and people in every industry.”
The local election candidate added: “CAP Reform (Europe's Common Agricultural Policy) funding is due to run out by 2020. But this could all change because of Brexit. There is more ambiguity there about where the money will come from if there is a shortfall.
“CAP money supports many LEDER community schemes in the area, so this won’t just affect farmers.”
The local election candidate added there were also concerns expressed regarding funding for the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) and post-Brexit.
SDLP Councillors and MLAs were also in attendance at the meeting. Speaking about the parties partnership with Fianna Fáil and the need for their northern voices to be heard “because there is no assembly in the north and they have no seat in Westminster” McGreehan said: “The only voices being heard at the minute (for the people of Northern Ireland) in Westminister are those of the DUP. People in the North are feeling disenfranchised.”
In conclusion, Ms McGreehan added: “There was great interaction from the floor at the event and robust debates. Brexit isn't academic for us it's our reality.”