New Ross farmers need access to emergency funding now - O' Connell

After being approached by several members of the farming community in New Ross district over the past few weeks, local Sinn Féin spokesperson Oisin O' Connell is calling on the government to give emergency financial assistance to farms affected by the fodder shortage crisis.  O' Connell stressed the importance of farming to the local economy in New Ross and urged our TDs to act now before we witnessed an onslaught of farm closures across the district.

Mr O' Connell said;

"The steps taken by Minister Coveney to tackle the recent fodder crisis in the short-term while welcome have not touched on the more long term ramifications of this problem.  New Ross farmers were already struggling before this crisis.  Now many are faced with extreme cash flow problems as they attempt to get fodder stocked and ready for next winter."

"Our local economy relies heavily on agriculture.  Studies have proven this.  For example, for every €100 of agriculture output there is a further €73 of output to the wider economy.  This money goes into local shops, pubs and other businesses.  Nationally farming families spend €8 billion per year in the economy."

"Sinn Féin is calling on the government to access immediate financial aid from the EU crisis fund so that this issue can be met head on.  We are also urging Minister Coveney to secure a 70% advance on the Single Farm payment from October 15th next.  We cannot afford to see an onslaught of farm closures across this district so it is imperative that local TDs and reps petition their government to move quickly to prevent another economic disaster in our area."