EU Funding Vital for All-Ireland Rail Network

Sinn Féin MLA’s brought forward a motion in the assembly this week calling for the Minister for Regional Development to work in partnership with the Irish Government to advance the 'pre identified' projects list for inclusion in the next round of EU funding for 2014-2020.

Trans- European Networks were a by-product of the Maastricht Treaty and they were established to ensure fit for purpose networks in transport, energy and telecommunication where available across the EU. The Trans- European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy sets the policy framework for the development of transport infrastructure across the EU. TEN-T comprises infrastructures such as roads, railways, waterways, ports, airports, navigation aids, intermodal freight terminals and product pipelines. For the current programming period (2007-2013), the TEN-T has an EU budget of around 49 billion. The next round of EU funding is currently being decided for 2014- 2020. There is currently a list of pre-identified projects; however, Ireland does not feature on this list. Sinn Féin has been working vigorously in an attempt to acquire the inclusion of a project we feel would benefit the whole island of Ireland. The ‘Western Arc’ project would include a Western rail network extending through from Belfast through Derry, Sligo, Knock, Galway to Shannon/ Limerick. This project would go a very long way to re-establishing an all-Ireland rail network. West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer stated, “Such a project could form the basis for redressing the disastrous effects of the economic collapse of the banking and construction sectors throughout the island. The EU in its concern about the disastrous consequences of climate change is already considering radical proposals to reinstate rail as the preferred option for freight and passenger traffic in the future. Politicians in Ireland continuously talk about investment in the rail ‘network’ as if such a network actually exists. We need to accept that we do not have a ‘rail network’. What we have is a ‘line’ connecting Belfast to Dublin, a link to Larne and what passes for a link between Belfast and Derry which is so sub-standard the majority of commuters will not use it. Donegal, Sligo, Galway and much west of Shannon are no better served. Sinn Fein’s Regional Development representatives have been very active in attempting to bring the Western Arc project to life. Our MLA’s and party activists have had discussions in Europe, met with economic development officers for councils north and south, have submitted various parliamentary questions and have met with various organisations north and south in order to gain more information and to get our project on the agenda. The use of an all-island rail passenger/freight network would reduce road traffic congestion and protect the environment by reducing toxic emissions. Sinn Féin is under no illusion about the massive financial investment a regeneration programme of this nature would involve. However, the Executive and the Irish government must realise that the solution to problems such as under-development, devastating damage to the environment, vandalism of our cultural heritage etc. lies in the development and implementation of long-term transportation strategies. And there is much untapped financial assistance available at European level if the political will exists to present the project as an integral part of the Trans European Network (TEN).”

Radiotherapy Unit on schedule

West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle attended a briefing in Stormont with the Western Health Trust in relation to the new Radiotherapy unit in Altnagelvin. This discussion was hosted by Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin and gave the Trust an opportunity to give a presentation to elected representatives on their project. Altanagelvin hospitals new Radiotherapy unit is due to open in 2016 and will increase Radiotherapy capacity in the north of Ireland. This unique cross border project will be a hospital within a hospital, providing treatments to people with cancer both north and south. It will provide more locally accessible and timely services and improve travelling for thousands of people for generations to come.

Speaking after the Health Trusts briefing Ms. Boyle said, “Today’s discussion was extremely reassuring and positive and is great news for the people of the North West of Ireland. We have heard some distressing stories of the plight of cancer sufferers from right across the North West. We have had people from Derry, Donegal and Strabane telling about the impact of having to travel hundreds of miles for 5 minutes of treatment .The impact it had on them physically, emotionally and financially and the hardships it placed on families was horrendous. The Western Trust informed us today that radiotherapy in many cases is often overlooked when compared to surgery or chemotherapy. This is a shocking discovery considering that it is the most cost effective method of treating cancer and 40% of cancer patients in the north have been cured through radiotherapy treatment. In addition, adding radiotherapy to other treatments improves 5 year survival by 16%. In terms of workforce planning for the new unit the Western Trust informed us that key staff disciplines have been identified to be trained and recruited with some being placed in the Belfast Cancer Centre for further training and development. This will ensure that a competent and experienced workforce will be available for the opening of the new unit in 2016. The provision of the Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin has been a strategic priority and central campaign issue of Sinn Féin's over many years and now that plans for the essential facility for people in this region of Ireland are underway we will be working to ensure that the scheduled completion date stays on track. This new facility will make a dramatic impact on the lives of cancer sufferers as it will mean that the vast majority of patients will be able to receive radiotherapy treatment within one hour travelling distance of their homes.”

SUBSTANTIAL NEW GAA FUNDING ANNOUNCED

The Culture and Agriculture Ministers have today announced substantial additional funding to Ulster GAA over the next three years, including a boost to the Tyrone County Centre of Participation at Garvaghey totalling over £1 million. The funding comes as part of a wider £4.5 million package from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure targeted at gaelic, soccer and rugby. Speaking after meeting Ulster GAA officials today, Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín confirmed an additional £1.5 million each to gaelic, rugby and soccer over the next three years.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill, who also attended the meeting, confirmed that almost £600,000 will also be allocated to the Garvaghey Centre of Participation under the Rural Development Programme (RDP). This follows a previous award of £250,000 to the Centre. Minister O’Neill added: West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle said: “This is an important announcement of extra funding to support the three codes of gaelic, soccer and rugby. I am especially pleased that Sinn Féin Ministers Carál Ni Chuilín and Michelle O’Neill have ensured that that this money will provide Ulster GAA with extra capital and revenue opportunities over the next three years, including £500,000 towards the Tyrone County Board’s Centre of Participation at Garvaghey. Strabane District Cllr Kieran McGuire added: “It is vital that rural inequalities are addressed through programmes like the RDP. The award of further funding to Tyrone’s Garvaghey Centre of Participation demonstrates that the DARD Minister will ensure rural inequalities and needs are properly addressed. This is an important centre for enhancing sports participation and excellence, social inclusion, outreach, education and cultural development.”

Boyle welcomes Fuel Saving Stamp Scheme for Strabane

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed an initiative being undertaken by Strabane Community Project to establish a “Fuel Saving Stamps Scheme” within Strabane town.

She said, “I very much welcome this Fuel Stamp Saving Scheme being undertaken by Strabane Community Project and fully support the objective of this scheme as an effort to help reduce fuel poverty. “Similar schemes are in place in many other districts, including in neighboring Omagh, and are an invaluable mechanism in helping people to budget towards their oil heating costs. “The template employed elsewhere enables people to buy £5 stamps from participating retail outlets and place these on a card to build up credit. The stamps are then accepted by participating oil companies towards the cost of the fuel bill and I hope that the scheme can be embraced as widely as possible locally. “The Public Health Agency has offered Council £5000 to support a fuel poverty initiative in the district in this current financial year and last night, councillors were unanimous in their backing of an application to the Agency requesting that Strabane Community Project be the delivery agents of a pilot fuel saving scheme for central heating oil and that Council would also contribute £1000 towards getting this pilot up and running “The pilot will run until the end of March 2013 and, if deemed successful, Strabane Community Project plans to extend it throughout the wider district.

Sinn Féin working to secure fundamental changes to Welfare ‘Reform’ Bill

At a packed Public Meeting held in Ballycolman Community Centre on Thursday (15 Nov), Sinn Féin elected representatives highlighted the draconian nature of many of the measures contained in the Tory led Government’s Welfare Reform Bill and outlined how the party is pro-actively working to secure fundamental changes to the Bill both within the Assembly and through directly lobbying the British government. Michaela Boyle MLA chaired the meeting and was joined on the panel by local MP Pat Doherty and by Newry/Armagh MLA and DSD Committee Vice-Chair Mickey Brady, who was standing in on behalf of his DSD Committee party colleague Alex Maskey.

Michaela Boyle said, “At the outset of the meeting, the panel highlighted the main changes proposed in the Welfare Reform Bill and outlined our major concerns about how many of the proposed measures, if implemented as currently designed, would represent an unacceptable attack on the living standards and well-being of our lowest income families and the most vulnerable sections of society here. “These included outlining our concerns around proposed measures in benefit areas such as: Housing benefit-under-occupancy penalties, reduced eligibility criteria and problematic payment methods; Universal Credit -replacing Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related ESA, Housing Benefit, Child and Working Tax Credit with a single ‘Universal Credit’ with changing criteria governing eligibility for benefit, new work related activity requirements and an increased sanctions regime even for lone parents with no access to childcare; and a marked step up in targeting the disabled and sick by extending the flawed medical assessments which currently govern those applying for or who are in receipt of ESA , to the disabled as they apply for or are migrated to the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which is scheduled to replace DLA as an from April next year. With the Tory’s aiming to make 20% savings in terms of expenditure and caseload under “PIPs” this will undoubtedly result in many genuinely disabled people losing or having their benefit cut in the same way many people who are genuinely sick are losing their entitlement to ESA. “During an extensive Q&A session many of those present were taken aback at the extent of the draconian measures in this Bill and were deeply concerned at how they would affect them both individually and in terms of their wider family. “While the levels of benefits for the north are set in London, we once again re-iterated our party position that unless meaningful flexibilities and mitigating measures are secured to alleviate the harsher aspects of this Bill we will not be supporting it.

“Mickey Brady outlined how the Bill is now at Committee Stage and how he the other 2 party DSD Committee members are scrutinizing every measure and clause in the Bill and are bringing forward proposed amendments in line with all our areas of concern and how the Committee has now supported a re-submitted Sinn Féin proposal to bring forward a motion to the Assembly calling for an Ad-Hoc Committee to establish whether the ‘Bill’ is Human Rights and Equality complaint. He also outlined that the Committee Stage will be followed by a Consideration Stage and a Further Consideration Stage on the floor of the Assembly where Sinn Féin will be also pressing our proposed amendments to the Bill. “Pat Doherty outlined how he and other MPs are directly lobbying the British government on an ongoing basis in an effort to secure flexibilities in how the Bills administered in the North given that it has already accepted that the situation here is graver than elsewhere. “Sinn Féin will be continuing with our strategy to secure fundamental changes to this Bill and also through our constituency office services we will be continuing to advise and assist the ever growing number of people contacting us seeking our help on the full range of benefit related issues ranging from: helping people to maximize their benefit entitlements, help with filling in benefit forms, engaging with decision makers, as well as representation at benefit Tribunals. ENDS

Patton subcontractors at Assembly to lobby MLAs

West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has met with subcontractors affected by the Patton group going into administration.

The all party meeting was an initiative by Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay to outline the difficult situation that many companies now find themselves in. Mr McElduff said: “There were sub-contractors from West Tyrone present in the packed room in Stormont who voiced their frustration at the situation. Some sub-contractors will be able to subsume this debt whilst others are in need of support and advice as to how they can deal with this debt being passed down the chain, especially when the doors of many banks remain closed to them. There is a particular onus on Invest NI and the Enterprise Minister to assist these businesses in whatever way they can, as last week’s news will lead to further job losses through these sub-contractors.. It is important that Assembly members and Ministers avail of the opportunity to listen to sub-contractors concerns and worries about this situation. The representatives from Patton’s that were present at the discussion outlined the full scale of the situation and highlighted the fact that well over 2000 employees will be affected who are owed approximately £15million.These companies are located right across the north and are a vital part of our local economy. This needs to be an immediate priority.”

More assistance needed for separated parents

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Michaela Boyle has questioned the Minister for Social Development on what steps he is taking to support parents who are separated.

The Department for Social Development is undertaking a programme of major reform for child maintenance. Research and evidence demonstrate that children who receive support from both parents throughout their childhood tend to enjoy better outcomes in life. Therefore, through the reform programme, the intention is to develop a modernised child maintenance service that will provide high-quality information and support at the earliest possible time during a relationship breakdown. Officials have been working at community level to trial interventions to assess the different levels of support required in local communities in order to find out what works and does not work at a local level in supporting separated families. The findings from that work have highlighted potential opportunities for enhancing existing arrangements to support the most vulnerable through local community organisations and trusted networks. Ms Boyle stated: “The breakdown of a relationship propels families into uncharted and inhospitable territory. We are increasingly aware that throughout Ireland more assistance needs to be readily available earlier in the process of separation in order that the terrain becomes more manageable for all. The British government are to introduce charges for the use of the new statutory child maintenance scheme. In the north maintenance is a devolved matter and charges are still under consideration. I have called on the DSD minister alongside the executive to ensure that more assistance and information is provided to enable people to work together to resolve issues such as maintenance arrangements and that no charge will be levied to the caring parent”.

Sinn Féin welcome republican’s release

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer has welcomed the release of Pádraic Wilson on bail.

McAleer said: “Sinn Féin welcomes the release of Pádraic Wilson. The simple fact is that he should never have been charged in the first instance. The arrest and charging of Pádraic Wilson is but the latest manifestation of lingering negative elements within the PSNI which must be removed. The agenda pursued by these individuals is political. It is designed to undermine the change agenda and the political process and to reverse the progress we continue to make. Sinn Féin are calling for the withdrawal of the bogus and politically motivated charges against him from the PSNI. Sinn Féin will continue to campaign to have these charges withdrawn.”

Lowering the voting age motion success welcomed

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed the support for a motion in the Assembly calling for the voting age to be lowered to 16.

Ms. Boyle said, “Sinn Féin proposed a motion in conjunction with the Green Party calling for the voting age to be lowered to 16 years and I am delighted that it has been passed. As elected representatives, we make decisions every day that impact heavily on young people and many of these decisions will have a long term effect on their future, yet they have no say in who represents them in areas such as the Assembly or local Councils. There is a global and European momentum towards extending the right to vote to young people at 16 and 17 years old. A historic decision has been taken in Scotland to allow 16 and 17 years olds to participate in a crucial referendum on Scottish independence; it is time that all elections and referenda held on the island of Ireland were made equally open to young people. While this first step has been passed we need to encourage more support so that we can see a similar motion in the British House of Commons and ensure young people’s engagement in any further elections.”

Disruption problems to RTE signal in Aghyaran area could be related to wind turbines

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire says that since the digital switchover residents in the Aghyaran area have been experiencing major disruptions with the signal for RTE channels a problem which is believed to be related to the degree of movement of the blades of wind turbines which are highly concentrated in the area.

Cllr Mc Guire,

“Since the Digital Switchover local residents have been experiencing major disruptions with the RTE channels signal.  On calm days the signal is clear, when it is slightly breezy the signal is intermittent but when it becomes very windy, the signal becomes non-existent.

“As similar weather conditions do not seem to impact upon the RTE channels signal in other areas, local people are directly linking the extent of disruption to the degree of movement of the blades of the wind turbines which are highly concentrated in this area.”

“I have asked the Environmental Health Department of Strabane District Council to investigate if this is the source of the signal disruption problem and if it is established that this is indeed the case, then I will be pressing for action to be taken to overcome this problem such as alternative ways to boost the RTE channels signal in the local area. 

Pat Doherty to meet British Secretary of State in Westminster

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty is in London today for a series of meetings with MP’s including British Secretary of State (SoS) Theresa Villiers.

Speaking before leaving for London this morning Pat Doherty said:

“I will be holding a series of meetings with individual MP’s including British SoS, Theresa Villiers and her Labour Shadow SoS Vernon Coaker, in Westminster today as part of  Sinn Féin’s intensive lobbying exercise to influence political opinion on a number of issues crucial to the interests of the Northern electorate."

“I will take the opportunity in meetings with Theresa Villiers, Vernon Coaker and Laurence Robertson MP, NI Affairs Committee Chairperson, to impress on them the hardship that the so-called Welfare Reform Bill in its present form will inflict on the most vulnerable in our society and the damage it will do to the local economy. If Ms Villiers as is claimed is the voice of the North at Cabinet then she needs to take her lead from the Executive and not simply parrot the one size fits all attitude to the economy of her government colleagues. I will focus on the Sinn Féin proposed amendments and our determination to see them addressed."

“In my meetings with Theresa Villiers and Vernon Coaker in particular, I will also be reiterating the Sinn Féin demand for the immediate release of Marian Price and Martin Corey. It is totally unacceptable and an affront to natural Justice that a British SoS can defy the decisions of the Courts and imprison anyone without producing compelling evidence against them."

“Other MP’s that I will be meeting with in an attempt to influence their thinking on the Welfare Reform Bill are NI Affairs Committee members, Nigel Mills MP (Con), Oliver Colville MP (Con) and Dave Anderson MP (Lab)"

Mc Hugh welcomes commencement of work on Clady-Doneyloop footpath

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Maolíosa Mc Hugh has welcomed the beginning of construction of the footpath from Clady to Doneyloop describing it as a key element in the wider scheme to improve the public realm of the area with an investment of €525,000 to be made in total.

He said,

“Through close collaboration between Donegal County Council and Strabane District Council €3.8 million of EU Interreg funding was secured for the Riverlinks Project and of this amount €525,000 is to be spent on to improve the public realm of Clady/Doneyloop.  The area has been particularly badly affected by the dislocating affects of partition and this investment will have a transforming impact.

“The construction of a footpath between Clady and Doneyloop Chapel is a very practical measure to enhance pedestrian safety and combined with the other multi-element environmental improvements in store for the area, the social and visual amenity for the local community and visitors alike will be greatly enhanced.  
“Through Council I have been pressing for speedy progress to be made on moving ahead with the different schemes contained in the Riverlinks Project and particularly the Clady-Doneyloop scheme in my own electoral area so I am delighted that construction is now to begin on the footpath tomorrow (Tuesday 30th October) and I will continue to work to ensure other elements of the scheme are commenced at the earliest possible date

Boyle highlights mental health issues support services

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that it is important that people affected by mental health problems are aware of the range of support services that are available to help.

The local MLA, and party spokesperson on disability issues, who was speaking at the launch of NI Action Mental Health’s (NIAMH) guidance on stamping out stigma said,

 “NIAMH is one of the largest charities here providing support services for people affected by mental ill health providing counselling, supported housing, day support and advocacy.

“During Mental Health Week we held an event called “Don’t lose your marbles” which was a fun way of raising awareness around mental health issues. It seems to me that momentum is growing and that finally we are beginning to talk about mental health in an open and honest way.

“The stark reality is that 1 in 4 of us will be affected at some point in our lives by a mental health issue. So mental ill health is common - we will either suffer from it at some stage or a member of our family will, or one of our friends.

“However, there is still a stigma associated with mental ill health. This stigma can act as a barrier for people affected coming forward and seeking help. It can also make recovery more difficult when people experience negative reactions from family, work colleagues or neighbours.

“These negative views and stereotyping lead to people being isolated and discriminated against and it is therefore essential that we all work towards breaking down these barriers and putting an end to the silence.

NIAMH “Stamp out Stigma” campaign will help address some of the issues highlighted and allow people with mental health issues the confidence to come forward and get the proper treatment to lead a normal life again.”

Sinn Féin condemns vicious assault on 12 year-old in Strabane

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Karina Breslin has expressed her disgust at the unprovoked and vicious assault of a 12 year old boy in Owenreagh Drive in the town on Saturday evening.

She said,

“I would firstly wish the young victim a full and speedy recovery from the traumatic ordeal he has endured.

“This poor boy has been left with serious physical injuries as a result of this unprovoked and vicious assault and the trauma that was inflicted upon him by his assailants will undoubtedly stay with him long after the physical scares have healed.

“This could have been any child walking on their own and the entire community is sickened at the clearly random nature of this despicable attack.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information as to the identities of those involved to bring it forward immediately.”   ENDS

Boyle lobbies Translink on Derg service to Eniskillen Hospital

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that Translink are to look at the bus service timetable from Castlederg to Omagh to see if it can be adjusted to allow a  link up with the newly established ‘hospital service between Altnagelvin and Eniskillen hospital.  

The local MLA said,

“Since the opening of the new hospital at Eniskillen more and more people from the Derg area are being signposted to the Erne facility, both for admissions and appointments.   However, the absence of a direct service from this area to the hospital as well as a divergence in bus timetables between Castlederg and Omagh and the Omagh and Eniskillen makes it logistically difficult for anyone dependent on public transport to make their way to the hospital in a timely fashion.

“Following approaches by constituents to local Sinn Fein councillors and myself on the issue, I wrote to Translink requesting that it investigate the establishment of a direct service from the Derg area to the Erne Hospital.

“I welcome the response I have now received from Translink in which it commits to looking at the timetabling issue to see if a joined up service can now be put in place.  This would undoubtedly be of help, but would not resolve the basic issue of local people still having to undergo long  and unnessary roundabout journey to get to and from the hospital.

“So I took the opportunity to one again raise the issue at meeting with Translink in Omagh on Friday and will continue to press the case for the establishment of a direct service from the Derg area to the Erne."

Sinn Fein activists repaint Ballycolman walls targeted in graffiti spree

Last night Sinn Féin activists spent several hours repainting walls and other surfaces in the Ballycolman Estate which had been defaced with unsightly graffiti earlier this week.

Local Sinn Fein Councillor Brian Mc Mahon said,

“A couple of young boys were clearly identified as carrying out this graffiti spree throughout the Ballycolman and Sinn Fein members have been subsequently talking to their parents in an effort to ensure that there is no repetition of this wanton vandalism which has so angered the local community.

“Walls and surfaces over a wide area were defaced with black spray can paint over a two day period and last night party activists spent several hours repainting the walls and other surfaces which had been targeted.

“The Ballycolman is a close knit and proud community and the small few who engage in activities such as the wanton vandalism that happened this week cannot be allowed to undermine this community cohesion."

Camus Play Park in line for upgrade

Glenelly Sinn Féin Councillor Michelle Mc Mackin has welcomed agreement secured at Strabane District Council to upgrade the childrens play park at Camus.

She said,

“This childrens play park in Camus is now in line for a much-needed revamp.

“Within Council, I have been pressing for this upgrade so that it can brought up to a safe standard and following discussion at the DCAL Working Group the Councils’s Development Committee  has now agreed to approve approximately £20k to refurbish it with some new equipment and landscaping.
 
“Coupled with the development of the adjoining Multi-Use-Games-Area and changing rooms at Camus Park, with the pitch due to be available for the 2013 season, the overall investment by Strabane District Council will greatly improve play and recreation opportunities for the people of Camus and the surrounding rural hinterland.”

Sinn Féin motion on marriage equality passed by Strabane District Council

A Sinn Féin motion was passed last night at Strabane District Council making it the latest council in Ireland to support the introduction of same-sex marriages.

Sinn Féin Councillor Karina Carlin who proposed the motion said:

“I am delighted that Strabane District Council has supported my motion to extend the same rights and entitlements to civil marriages for all citizens regardless of race, religion or sexuality.

“Civil partnerships were equally opposed with the same vitriol, from the same quarters that are opposing this step for marriage equality. Civil Partnerships have been enshrined in law for years now-The sky has not fallen in and neither will it fall when equality in marriage for all Citizens finally in enshrined in civil law.

"We cannot pretend to be for equality and then add the word 'but'", she concluded.

Unscrupulous individuals selling lethal fireworks to young people

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley says that those unscrupulous individuals profiting from the sale of illegal fire-works/bangers to local young people will bear ultimate responsibility if any injuries result from their reckless misuse.

He said,  

“Sinn Féin councillors and activists are receiving complaints from residents in many different areas throughout the town about serious incidents where fireworks/bangers have being recklessly thrown at people, their property and even their pets.

“Given sheer volume of such devices being let off on a nightly basis, it is only a matter of time before serious injury results-either to a young person handling them or to someone who is targeted by them.

"The danger associated with these devises was tragically demonstrated in North Belfast at the weekend with a young man now left with a serious eye injury when struck by a firework so I would appeal to parents to be extremely vigilant and ensure that their children are not handling these fireworks/bangers, both for their own safety and for the safety of others.

“It is those individuals who are profiting from the sale of illegal fire-works/bangers who will be responsible if anyone in this area sustains an injury as a result of their unscrupulous activity.   They need to desist from supplying young people with these potentially lethal devises now, before it is too late!"

Extra Single Farm Payment Welcomed

Derg Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has welcomed the decision by Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill to divert more money into the Single Farm Payment scheme.

Cllr Mc Guire said,

“This is a good news story for farmers in what has been a difficult year for them.  The decision to put an additional £15m into the Single Farm Payment scheme will no doubt be welcomed by both farmers and the general rural community.

“The Minister has shown she is aware of the financial difficulties facing the farmers and has acted decisively to inject more cash into the hands of farmers through the scheme.

 “These extra monies will help offset the growing price of feed for farmers with livestock and help those farmers whose crops are down due to the wet summer we have had.

 “The rural economy is greatly based upon the welfare of the farmers so this injection of more cash to the farmers will undoubtedly filter its way through the local communities and create a stimulus in this economy.”