Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is not the first time I have said it. As I said, I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, the Ceann Comhairle and all the staff on the entire campus. None of us would get a whole pile done if it were not for all of them.

We are obviously in support of this. It was a proposal from the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine and it is supported by the farm organisations. It makes absolute sense that we have an agricultural appeals review panel, that we make sure it is sufficiently independent and trusted and that it is resourced to be able to do the job that is necessary.

Many of my colleagues spoke about the issues and the importance of schemes and payments, but also about the technicalities and the fact that we need to have streamlining and efficiency. I have spoken to the Minister many times about this previously so that we can ensure we have sustainable family farms. We know there are many complaints at times regarding the difficulties that farmers sometimes have in dealing with the agencies and Departments.

Deputy Martin Kenny spoke specifically about the issues we need to address with regard to ACRES. As I said before, I welcome the fact that we are moving towards some sort of support for those farmers who were impacted in the Cooley Peninsula last Halloween. Obviously, Teagasc went out and did its piece of research. We just need to make sure there is a connection and actual communication with the farmers to ensure they are given the necessary supports. I attended two meetings in the Cooley Peninsula, one of which was at St. Patrick's GAA in Lordship and another at Cooley Kickhams Gaelic Football Club. The meeting was very specific to the Dundalk-Carlingford greenway. It was organised by Councillor Antóin Watters and Councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille and two other local councillors, one from Fine Gael and one from Fianna Fáil. There was a huge depth of feeling and a huge amount of unease, particularly from farmers. The Minister’s name may have been taken in vain once or twice.

However, the fact is that there has been a bit - beyond a bit - of failure with regard to the consultation process. There is some lack of trust. Sometimes, that is with regard to the difficulties that exist in relation to planning. Some of the soundings from the room, and I know others have been supportive, were that people are absolutely against this. There is a huge amount of unease, particularly among the local farmers. I ask that there would be some element of engagement with the Minister and other Ministers. I will be following this up with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, and Louth County Council, which are the sponsors of all of these projects. I welcome the fact that there was an extension to the consultation period. It is absolutely vital that people put in the information they have and put in submissions on the difficulties they have. Even those who mentioned any element of support spoke about particular issues that happened previously for other greenways such as the lack of upkeep and lack of people to contact regarding issues. In these cases, however, it is particularly an issue for local farmers. We all know how much farmers, some of whom have very small holdings, are afraid of losing lands that could mean some of these farms would not be sustainable. I ask that the Minister use his offices and have engagement. I have no doubt he will be contacted by the local Irish Farmers' Association, IFA, and others.

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