Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Members of Macra na Feirme marched to the Dáil overnight. They are protesting because they are concerned about the future of rural Ireland and the future for young farmers. I was a member of Macra and I share their concerns. Young farmers are an endangered species. We know generational renewal is a massive issue but there are so many issues that need urgent action. It is not a false narrative that there is a chronic shortage of affordable housing, a chronic shortage of healthcare services and an almost complete absence of reliable public transport options. The viability of many farms is also under threat.

We know that climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face as a society and that farmers and rural communities will be among those most impacted by the damage caused by the climate crisis. Where is the support for farmers to help them withstand this existential threat? Government assistance is piecemeal, short term and threadbare. When will the Government take the issues facing rural Ireland seriously?

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