Derogation change ‘not based on science’

Speaking at Monday’s full meeting of Cork County Council, Bandon/Kinsale Cllr John O'Sullivan (FG) claimed the decision to lower the derogation is “not based on science” and will significantly lower livestock numbers across the county.

“It will have an impact on the viability of family farms. The implication for Cork county is frightening and it's not based on science,” said the councillor.

He added: “The EPA produced a map last week which puts big swathes of Cork county into the reduction zone and when it's not being done for scientific reasons, it just doesn't stack up.”

Fianna Fáil’s Patrick Gerard Murphy said: “We cannot stand idly by and watch this happen, it's just not right. If we reduce our production in Ireland, it's going to be replaced by higher carbon footprint produce from other countries.”

Independent Cllr Danny Collins said a parish in his constituency has seen 8 young people from farming backgrounds emigrate in recent months.

“This is going to be a wipe-out to farming industries throughout rural Ireland. They don't see a future. Someone has to tell this Government to stop. Our young people, they're gone to Australia, Canada, America, all over the world.”

Mayor of the County of Cork and member of the farming community, Cllr Frank O'Flynn, said all roads must lead to Bandon this evening.

“It's one of the biggest issues facing Irish farming at the moment and this is absolutely the most serious issue we could discuss in this chamber,” said the mayor.

He added: “There's no better custodians of rural Ireland than the farming community. You're talking here about the future economic development of this great county. As long as farming is there, rural Ireland is in safe hands.”