Nitrates derogation is ‘working’

COUNCILLORS in the Clones-Ballybay MD expressed their “delight” at Ireland’s nitrates derogation saying “it’s needed” while calling on the Minister for Agriculture to review the cap currently in place for the price paid for cattle from TB reactor herds.

Speaking at the December MD meeting Cllr Sean Gilliland (FG) said the derogation is “working” and is "needed”.

He said: “Water quality in, for example, Emyvale is reported to have improved and credit must go to everyone buying into what they’re supposed to be doing.” Cllr Gilliland said Ireland is the only country to receive the derogation because “we backed it up with scientific evidence” and said local authorities like Monaghan County Council “must do everything going forward to keep it".

Compensation

Staying on agricultural matters, Cllr Gilliland said the rate of €3,000 paid to farmers as compensation for animals from a TB reactor herd is “nowhere near” the current mart value of the same cattle. “In one farm I know, the cows would’ve reached €4,000 to €4,500 at a mart so the farmer was paid at least €1,000 less per animal,” Cllr Gilliland said before setting down a motion for Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon to “urgently” address this.

The Fine Gael rep’s motion was formally seconded by the MD’s Cathaoirleach, Sinéad Flynn (SF) and supported by her party colleague, Pat Treanor (SF).