Intent: To voice farmers' anger and frustration at the ever-increasing administrative burden being placed on them which has had a major impact on farm family incomes.::These frustrations have broadened into anger with European and National lawmakers over the massive increase in regulations relating to Agriculture. The EU, the Irish Government and local Government are devising policies far from the farm gate with little or no consideration of the direct impact on farmers.::The following are some of the key issues that are contributing to growing frustration and anger with the political system::1. The transformation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) away from supporting food production towards actually reducing farm output. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding is being redirected to environmental schemes – the EU is effectively implementing new environmental regulations such as the “eco-schemes” on the cheap by redirecting existing funding instead of allocating additional funds.::2
Details: Cavan County Council - Enough is Enough Campaign
Intent: To retain our zoned status as Residential, as per the draft plan 'proposed Residential'.
Details: Lobbied about the rezone of land adjacent to family home on two sites that myself and my brother privately own. The current zoning is Residential phase 1 and the proposed draft plan 2022 to 2028 is to change the sites to Amenity and Open Space. We are private individuals who own these sites and want, ...
Intent: To highlight the need in the local area and seek advice regarding the application. The application was unsuccessful and a councillor suggested another fund which may be more appropriate to our needs. However the congregational committee has decided not to proceed.
Details: CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) funding application
2 councillors met Rev Daryl Edwards on site to view the project1 councillor visited independently - Meeting6 initial emails to local councillors - EmailPhone calls or text messages - replies from 3 councillors - Phone call
Attended meeting with Minister for health Minister Harris in the MLU at Cavan General Hospital . - MeetingEmail to all Councillors in Cavan and Monaghan. - EmailEmail to all TDs in Cavan and Monaghan - Email
Intent: Raise awareness of business concerns at the local government level, and of the local chamber network members
Details: The Chambers Ireland network support for our rapid transition to a low carbon economy, the need for better planning and infrastucture, and supporting women in the workforce
Intent: Attendance of Cavan and Monaghan Councillors plus TDs at meeting on illicit trade of solid fuel in border region
Details: Letter to Councillors after local elections to introduce RAS; invitation to Cavan and Monaghan Couoncillors plus noted TDs to attend meeting in Cavan to discuss illicit trade of solid fuel in border region
Intent: A public event organised by Engineers Ireland to highlight the role of engineers and engineering-led organisations in the area of future energy.
Held in association with Engineers Ireland's North East region, the Future Energy Forum in May at Dundalk IT, aimed to provide members and guests with the opportunity to explore Ireland’s future energy supply and demand; the latest technologies and solutions driving Ireland’s transition to low carbon energy use; and the impact of current and future energy needs on business and home. Eamon Ryan TD spoke at the event as a speaker and on a panel. Noel Keelan Councillor attended. Over 100 people were present. The views of Engineers Ireland were expressed that evening re energy policy. - Event / ReceptionTwo Government Ministers were invited to attend and speak as part of the Forum but were unable to attend and sent their apologies. Councillors and political representations from the North East region were all invited. The names are provided below. - Email
Intent: Extension of Income Averaging to self-employed farmers with other income - IFA proposes that, where a farmer or their spouse has an additional self-employed source of income, income averaging should be allowed on farm profits.::Increasing Flexibility in Income Averaging ‘Step-Out' - IFA proposes that a farmer should be allowed to ‘step-out' of income averaging more than once in a five-year period, where he is not carrying an unpaid deferred tax amount from a previous ‘step-out'. For example, if the farmer ‘steps out' from income averaging in Year 1 and repays the deferred amount in Years 2 and 3, he should be eligible to ‘step-out' again in Years 4 or 5 of a cycle.::Deposit scheme - IFA supports the introduction of an adapted ICOS proposal based on the 5-5-5 model, which allows all farmers to put aside 5% of their gross receipts, whether in their co-op or specially assigned bank account. This money is then available for drawn down within the next 5 years, and the tax due would be paid
