A FRUSTRATED councillor has voiced his concerns on behalf of local farmers over proposed cuts to vital schemes.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, is proposing to reduce the National Sheep Welfare Scheme and the Suckler Cow Scheme.
At present, the schemes provide payments of up to €25 per sheep and €225 per suckler cow.
However, under the Minister’s new proposals, farmers would see these payments reduced by €1.50 per sheep and €8 per cow.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly voiced his discontent at the proposed changes.
“I am absolutely disgusted with the proposals put forward by the new Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon,” Cllr Kelly said.
“Minister Heydon has proposed cutting the Sheep Welfare Scheme by €1.50 per head.
“It may not sound like much, but across a full flock it amounts to a significant loss.
“The farmers that have maybe 300 or 400 sheep will lose out on a hell of a lot of money.
“He has also proposed to cut the Suckler Cow Scheme by €8 per head.”
As a sheep and suckler farmer, Cllr Kelly said he is “outraged” by the proposed cuts.
“The reason that I am outraged by this is because I am a suckler and sheep farmer myself,” he said.
“When the last budget was passed, these monies were allowed for in the budget.
“The Minster has now outlined that the reason for these cuts is the lack of funding, but the funding has to be there.
“It has to come from somewhere because it was allowed for in the budget.
“It is important going forward that the Minister overturns this decision.”
As a member of the Agricultural Committee of Donegal County Council, Cllr Kelly said he will raise the issue with committee members in the coming weeks.
Cllr Kelly said he will also request that a letter be sent to the Minister calling for the cuts to be overturned.
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