Farmers worse off under ACRES need to be topped up
Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara has explained to the Government that some farmers in the Burren and Slieve Aughty regions of Clare are worse off now under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) than they were under the Burren Life and Hen Harrier projects.
Addressing Tánaiste Micheal Martin and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue during Questions on Promised Legislation in Dáil Éireann today (Thursday, 20 April 2023), Deputy McNamara described ACRES as a scheme “designed by civil servants for civil servants, not for farmers or the environment” and pointed out that farmers in parts of North and East Clare are losing out as a result. He also criticised Minister McConalogue’s Department officials for still “considering” a solution without providing a timeline for a decision.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy McNamara said, “I have previously raised the plight of farmers who are farming in designated areas; therefore, their farming practices are restricted. Previously they were compensated for that through the Burren Life scheme in the case of the Burren and the Hen Harrier project in the Slieve Aughties. That has been abolished and they were told to go through the ACRES scheme.”
He continued, “In theory they get more money through the ACRES scheme. They can get an absolute maximum of €10,000 whereas farmers not in designated areas get an absolute maximum of €7,000, but the difference in the €3,000 is a partial reimbursement of moneys already expended. The reality is that they are worse off now than they were under a government that claims to take the environment seriously. It (ACRES) is a scheme designed by civil servants for civil servants, not for farmers, not for the environment, but for ease of administration.”
Addressing Tánaiste Micheal Martin directly, Deputy McNamara said, “You said the fact that they were worse off, when I raised it with you when you were Taoiseach, wasn’t good enough. Nothing has changed since then. Will something change?”
Responding to Deputy McNamara on behalf of government, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said, “Burren Life was a pilot scheme with a small number of farmers and the payments were more significant. What we are doing with ACRES now is we are broadening it out and bringing more people into that scheme. The vast majority of applicants that will be participating in the ACRES scheme in the Burren will be better off.”
He added, “There is a small number who would have been part of the initial pilot scheme whose payments would not be as high. It’s something I have my officials assessing to see if there is a particular accommodation that can be made in relation to those, but overall, what we are doing is building on the Burren scheme and making sure that the benefits of it are actually spread and widened and also making sure that more farmers are able to avail of it and get paid better. But there is a small minority of farmers, and we are considering it.”
National Slow Down Day concludes
Updates:
Between 07:00 and 21:00 on National Slow Down Day, GoSafe checked the speed of 140,720 vehicles and detected 211 vehicles travelling in excess of the applicable speed limit.
Some Reported detections in Clare – Fixed Penalty Notices were issued to all motorists stopped…
*82km/h in 50km/h Zone in Kilmurry Village
*106km/h in 80km/h Zone on R352 at Spancilhill
*179km/h in 120km/h Zone on M18 at Crusheen
*79km/h in 50km/h Zone on the Tulla Road in Ennis
*74km/h in 50/km/h Zone in Clarecastle Village
*82km/h in 60km/h Zone on the R463 Gortatogher Parteen Clare
*137km/h in 120km/h Zone on the M18 Ballyconneely Newmarket On Fergus Clare
An Garda Síochána will conduct a national speed enforcement operation “Slow Down”, supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders, for a 24-hour period from 7.00am this Friday (April 21st).
The aim of “Slow Down Day” is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, to increase compliance with speed limits and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive or inappropriate speed. The overall objective is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads. This National Slow Down Day forms part of a Pan-European day of action aimed at combatting speed on the roads.
The evenings are getting noticeably longer as summer draws closer; driving conditions improve as the weather improves. It is important to remember that no matter how good the road and weather conditions are, any increase in speed will significantly increase the likelihood of being involved in a serious or fatal road traffic collision.
Last year saw an increase in fatal road traffic collisions, with 157 lives tragically lost on the road, the largest death toll on our roads since 2016. So far this year there have been 52 fatalities on our roads, an increase on 3 on the same day last year.
Recent Garda enforcement data and RSA research demonstrates that drivers continue to speed. During 2022, 73% of fatal collisions occurred on rural (80km/h or more) roads with 27% on urban roads.
It has been estimated that 30% of fatal collisions are as a direct result of speeding or inappropriate speed.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said: “As we all hit the road, it’s important to remember that every time we get behind the wheel, we hold the responsibility of keeping ourselves and others safe. Unfortunately, accidents and fatalities on the road are still far too common, and one of the major causes of these incidents is speeding.
“Speeding not only puts you at risk but also endangers the lives of others around you. Every time you speed, you increase the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle, which could lead to a serious or fatal accident. Additionally, if you are driving too fast, you might not be able to react in time to avoid an obstacle or another vehicle on the road.”
Chief Superintendent Humphries continued: “So, we must all take responsibility for our actions and drive responsibly. This means slowing down, obeying speed limits, and being aware of our surroundings. Remember, speed limits are there for a reason, to keep you and others safe. The consequences of speeding can be devastating, not only for yourself but for other innocent people on the road.
“Let’s take the initiative to make our roads safer, not only this National Slow Down Day but every day, by slowing down and making sure we are driving at a safe and appropriate speed. By doing so, we can help prevent accidents and make our communities safer for everyone”
‘DJ of the Year’ award for Clare student journalists
Clare student journalists Daragh Dolan and Jake O’Loughlin have been awarded the ‘DJ of the Year’ award at the annual ISIC National Student Media Awards in Dublin.
Clarecastle native Daragh, broadcast journalist with Clare FM, and fellow WiredFM presenter Jake from Ennis, received their award at a ceremony held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last night. The annual event celebrates the outstanding achievements of students in media-related fields across the country.
The awards night had an outstanding turnout bringing together media industry leaders, educators and students from all over the country. Among the most popular of the presenters was Laura Whitmore.
The show of talent was impressive and the SMEDIAS received wonderful submissions. After much debate from our judges the winners for all the categories were announced and celebrated at the ceremony.
The ‘Radio DJ of the Year’ of the year award went to Darragh Dolan from Clarecastle and Jake O’Loughlin from, both students at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick.
The ISIC National Student Media Awards is dedicated to bringing new talent to light and supporting the growth of students in media. It was great to see such a broad spectrum of talent.
We got a winner for @wiredfm tonight on the #Smedias, Daragh and Jake from All in One. Congrats guys! #collegeradio #Limerick pic.twitter.com/ky2EHNfeGw
— The Alternative Show w Dylan Murphy | Wired 99.9FM (@TAS_Wired) April 20, 2023