Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their presentation and great enthusiasm. What is Wicklow Uplands Council's relationship with Coillte? Does the designation of the area to which they are referring as a national park assist or hinder them in their efforts and, if either is the case, will they explain why?

The delegates spoke about recreational use. Have they anything more to say on that matter? Is it something they view as significant for the future, or do they see it as being less significant because the priority is on the farming side? What is the status of protected species in that area? What work, if any, have the delegates done in that regard?

The delegates spoke about the decline in the number of sheep in the area. Have they done any research into whether there is a market for such sheep, particularly Wicklow upland sheep or hill sheep? Often, it is possible designate food accordingly. Would it help the delegates with their proposal if they were marketing a particular animal? The food lovers among us would always ask that question, and it is a worthwhile one, but I wonder whether the delegates have come down to that level. When one is asking for help, one should outline one's strengths and say that one could do well in that respect. Have the delegates any targets or figures for where they see the increase coming from and how much growth there might be? Everything they are doing is in order to improve things, and I wonder whether they have quantified that.

The delegates said that the scheme should encourage young farmers, which it should, and it should also support the rural economy. Have they any more to tell us about how it might do that? All of us in this committee have an interest in encouraging young farmers. Farming is a difficult enough job at present, with many pressures, and part of the argument is how can we encourage people to enter farming. While the delegates would say the scheme would be good for young farmers, how exactly would it be good for them and have they any idea of the number of young farmers who might be drawn in as a consequence? When seeking funding for or trying to persuade people to support a proposal, having those extra details would be helpful.