11 Feb 2013, 13:27
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will tomorrow meet with officials Teagasc to discuss proposals to ensure good agricultural and environmental practices on farms.
11 February 2013
Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority in Ireland, places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability in its work.
Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle TD says: “Tomorrow’s engagement is part of a series of Committee meetings in which the use of commonage lands is being considered. A common-sense approach is necessary in these areas and Teagasc is playing an increasing role in advising farmers on safeguarding biodiversity. The presentation will inform our Committee on what national policies on the use of commonage lands might be appropriate.”
The Committee will also discuss the development of a new agri-environment scheme for the Irish uplands under the Rural Development Programme, with representatives from the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) and Golden Eagle Trust Ltd (GET).
Deputy Doyle continues: “We look forward to meeting with representatives from the NARGC and GET, who are currently involved in managing the Red Grouse conservation project on Boleybrack Mountain, North Leitrim. The representatives are expected to brief the Committee on specific options for a new upland agri-environment scheme with measures to support Irish farming, rural development and a range of targeted biodiversity priorities.”
The meeting takes place at 3:30 pm tomorrow 12 February in Committee Room 3, LH 2000. Committee proceedings can be followed live here.
Ends
For further information contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 6949926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine - Membership
Deputies:
Tom Barry, Fine Gael
Pat Deering, Fine Gael (Vice-Chair)
Martin Ferris, Sinn Féin
Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael (Chair)
Martin Heydon, Fine Gael
Colm Keaveney, Labour
Michael McNamara, Labour
Eamon Ó Cuiv, Fianna Fáil
Thomas Pringle, Independent
Senators:
Michael Comiskey, Fine Gael
Paschal Mooney, Fianna Fáil
Pat O’Neill, Fine Gael
Mary Ann O’Brien, Independent
Brian Ó Domhnaill, Fianna Fáil
Susan O’Keeffe, Labour