Call for a new Suckler Cow Scheme

Fine Gael Councillor Sinead Maguire has called on Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to introduce a Suckler Cow Scheme in the upcoming Budget.

“It would help to retain a vibrant rural scene,” she said.

Independent Councillor Margaret Gormley said it definitely needed an injection of funding.

Sinn Féin Councillor Thomas Healy agreed, saying any money the farmer made went back into the local community.

Independent Councillor Joe Queenan said: “There is a need to stabilise the suckler cow herd. I’d have to question the present Minister for Agriculture’s commitment to this and to the West of Ireland,” he said.

Cllr Queenan said Minister Creed was a “classic example of a man who doesn’t know what he’s on about.”

Cllr Maguire’s motion was supported unanimously.