The Chairman of IFA Countryside Eddie Downey said the attack on an elderly farmer in Cork over the week-end highlighted the dangers for people living on their own in rural areas.

He said, “there must be strong sanctions against intruders who inflict physical harm on people in their own homes. Preying on rural dwellers who are vulnerable is despicable and cowardly, and these actions should be severely punished as a deterrent to others.”

Mr Downey urged neighbours to be alert and to contact the Gardai if they notice any suspicious activity. “Unfortunately, there are elements who will seek to exploit those who live in remote areas. People living in these communities must be vigilant and watch out for their neighbours.”

Eddie Downey said a greater Garda presence could also act as a deterrent. “I would appeal to Garda management to ensure that policing of rural areas is as visible as possible.”

IFA Deputy President and Countryside Project Team spokesman Eddie Downey has described proposals to charge parents €500 a year for their children to use the school bus service as “exorbitant and excessive and would amount to a 200% increase in fees since 2008.”

Eddie Downey said, “Rural families are already finding the current fees of €300 per child difficult to find and any increase is simply a non-runner in today’s environment. Many rural couples have large mortgages and are struggling to hold onto their jobs and pay the bills. Government inflationary policies such as the carbon tax are hitting rural Ireland hardest, with the ESRI estimating that the average annual cost of the carbon tax will be 2.6 times greater on households in the countryside than the cities.”

“The parents of the 125,000 children who use the school transport scheme each day cannot be expected to accept such excessive charges and it is essential that the Tánaiste and Minster for Education Mary Coughlan T.D. reject any proposal to further hike school bus charges.”

IFA Countryside Chairman Eddie Downey has welcomed the new Agricultural Workers Employment Regulation Order (ERO), stating that the agreement benefits many rural businesses in addition to traditional farming
 

Mr Downey stated, “The Agricultural Workers Joint Labour Committee (JLC), led by its IFA representatives, have negotiated an ERO that takes account of the wide variety of activities in the sector, which are weather dependent, seasonal and often require 7 day week flexible working arrangements.” 
 
He continued, “The purpose of the negotiations was to agree an ERO with employee representatives on the JLC, led by SIPTU, that would protect employment and help restore international competitiveness in the agriculture sector. This result of this agreement is a more flexible and appropriate wage and employment model for the sector.”
 
The amended Order includes the following:
-          The minimum hourly rate of pay will be returned to €9.10 from €9.33;
-          The normal working week will now be between 30-48 hours;
-          If rostered, Saturday will be paid at the same rate as any other day;
-          Sunday Premium pay will be at a rate of Time and a Third;
-          Sick-pay for qualifying employees will involve an upfront payment of €20 per day;
-          Maximum hours worked per week are 48 hours; however this can be averaged over a 6-month period.
 
The ERO applies to employees in primary agriculture, horticulture and woodland. In addition, the ERO applies to those employed in the use of land for market gardens, nursery grounds or sports grounds and the rearing or training of animals (including horses).
 
Mr Downey concluded, “The combination of the reduced hourly minimum rate, amended premium rates and increased flexibilities in the working week have the potential to reduce significantly labour-related costs on farms, currently accounting for over €400m per annum. The flexibilities on overtime will also improve the affordability of weekend employment.”
 

IFA Countryside and the farm plastic recycling organisation IFFPG have today launched a national anti-litter initiative amongst their combined membership of over 120,000 farmers and rural dwellers called, ‘The Countryside is Watching’.

IFA Deputy President and Countryside Project Team spokesman Eddie Downey said, “Farmers and people living in the countryside are tired of the increasing levels of food packaging, household rubbish and empty drink bottles strewn along roadside verges, gateways into fields and country roads on the outskirts of towns and villages.”

He added, “Farmers, rural dwellers, County Council staff, the EPA and the Department of the Environment all have an important role to play to address this scourge of fly-tipping and dumping by passing motorists and irresponsible individuals who treat the countryside as a disposal ground for their refuse.”

IFFPG’s Chairman Michael Slattery said, “IFFPG is delighted to be part of this campaign. Farmers have a proven track record when it comes to working with the environment. Last year a record 19,000 tonnes of farm plastic was recycled with IFFPG by farmers, exceeding all Government recycling targets for the sector. This campaign ‘The Countryside is Watching’ will only work, however, if each stakeholder carries out their responsibilities.”

Mr. Slattery said, “The Countryside is Watching” reminds users of the countryside to act responsibly and enjoy the countryside. They must take their rubbish home and discard of it correctly.”

The success of this campaign will be determined by the support received from the Department of the Environment and County Councils in the following areas:

1. National Rural Spring Clean Week
During this week, all County Council environmental enforcement officers should be available to collect and clear rubbish along roadside verges, once notified. Rural homes and farmers living on the worst affected roadways should be encouraged to assist, by providing free access to landfills and civil amenity sites for the week. Refuse companies must also be encouraged to participate proactively in this clean up.

2. Civic Amenity sites on the outskirts of Towns and Villages.
County Councils must establish a network of strategically located skips on the outskirts of all towns and villages, where people can safely dispose of rubbish rather than litter the countryside.

3. Communication and Education Campaign
County Council environmental enforcement officers must liaise directly with primary and secondary schools, convenience stores, filling stations and community groups to publically highlight the problem of rural littering and encourage people to take their litter home and dispose of it correctly.

This must be supported by a major national television, radio and print media campaign to highlight the issue and encourage the responsible disposal of litter.

4. Enforcement of anti-littering Laws
Each County Council must enforce the anti-littering laws effectively and encourage the general public to report offenders.

5. Dedicated Litter Reporting Line & Website
A national free-phone litter reporting line and website should be developed to allow people report incidents of littering. This free-phone number and website should replace the current 1890 number, which regularly remains unanswered, is not well advertised and action on reported dumping is often slow and ineffective. A customer charter must be agreed, where reports of littering will be acted on and the litter removed by the County Councils within 24 hours of notification.

The Department of Environment, EPA National Waste Prevention Committee and County Councils must commit adequate resource for this campaign, including the provision of signage to highlight the dedicated litter reporting line and website.

6. National Litter Action Taskforce
The Government must immediately establish a task force made up of representatives from key interest groups, including IFA Countryside and IFFPG to tackle this issue at national level and ensure delivery by County Councils.

IFA Countryside Chairman Eddie Downey has called on the Minister for the Environment John Gormley to end the scourge of fly tipping and dumping of convenience food wrappings and packaging in the countryside. “Farmers and rural dwellers have had enough of this fly-tipping and dumping which is becoming a serious blight on the countryside.”

Mr. Downey said, “Roadside verges, particularly on the outskirts of towns and villages and along main roads are an absolute disgrace, strewn with refuse sacks, general household rubbish, food packaging and empty drink bottles. The Department of the Environment, the EPA and County Councils have completely failed to deal with this problem. The most recent EPA National Waste Report shows that almost 37% of household and commercial waste is not recycled and unfortunately much of this ends up in rural ditches. This problem must be immediately addressed, as it is out of control and is going to have a significant impact on the attractiveness of our countryside. In addition this litter blocks roadside drains and adds to the flooding problems experienced by rural dwellers each year.”

To help address this issue IFA has called on Minister Gormley and County Councils to implement a series of measures, including:

1. National Rural Spring Clean Week
During this week, which must be organised immediately by the Department of the Environment, all County Council environmental enforcement officers should be available to collect and clear rubbish along roadside verges, once notified. Rural homes and farmers living on the worst affected roadways should be encouraged to assist, by providing free access to landfills and civil amenity sites for the week. Refuse companies must also be encouraged to participate proactively in this clean up.

2. Civic Amenity sites on the outskirts of Towns and Villages.
County Councils must establish a network of strategically located skips on the outskirts of all towns and villages, where people can safely dispose of rubbish rather than litter the countryside.

3. Communication and Education Campaign
County Council environmental enforcement officers must liaise directly with primary and secondary schools, convenience stores and filling stations to publically highlight the problem of rural littering and encourage people to take their litter home and dispose of it correctly.
In addition Minister Gormley must launch a major national television, radio and print media campaign to highlight the issue and encourage the responsible disposal of litter.
4. Enforcement of anti-littering Laws
Each County Council must enforce the anti-littering laws effectively and encourage the general public to report offenders.

5. Dedicated Litter Reporting Line & Website
A national free-phone litter reporting line and website should be developed to allow people report incidence of littering. This free-phone number and website should replace the current 1850 number, which regularly remains unanswered, is not well advertised and action on reported dumping is often slow and ineffective. A customer charter must be agreed, where reports of littering will be acted on and the litter removed by the County Councils within 24 hours of notification.

The Department of Environment, EPA National Waste Prevention Committee and County Councils must commit adequate resource for this campaign, including the provision of signage to highlight the dedicated litter reporting line and website.

6. National Litter Action Taskforce
The Government must immediately establish a task force made up of representatives from key interest groups, including IFA to tackle this issue at national level and ensure delivery by County Councils.

Eddie Downey concluded by warning those who persist with this dumping that IFA is launching an anti-litter initiative amongst the Association’s 90,000 members called, “The Countryside is Watching”. He said, “This campaign will urge farm families and all people living in the countryside to be active rural stewards and report all incidence of rural littering, as they occur. However this campaign will only be successful if Minister Gormley, his officials in the Department of the Environment and Council staff accept their responsibility and seriously tackle this issue.”
 

IFA Countryside Chairman Eddie Downey has said the shock decision to close Postbank is a serious blow to rural Ireland which will further reduce important services.

“The closure of Postbank will threaten the viability of over 1,200 post offices. It is essential that An Post delivers on its commitment to maintain its range of services to its 200,000 customers.”

Mr Downey said, “The threat to the future of Garda Stations, transports schemes and emergency services, combined with these Postbank closures, could reduce rural dwellers’ access to vital services. A cross-Departmental Regeneration Plan must now be produced to address this serious problem. People are entitled to live and work in the countryside and must have the adequate supports and services.”
 

IFA Countryside Chaiman Eddie Downey has strongly criticised the recent public warning to farmers in the Irish Farmers Journal from Kildare County Council about damage to roads, ditch cutting and drainage, and said the Councils would be well advised to act on their own responsibilities.

The IFA Deputy President said, “County Councils have ignored the plight of rural communities in recent years.  They have failed to maintain drainage systems which has significantly contributed to the devastation caused to thousand of families in East Galway, Roscommon, Offaly, Limerick, Clare and Cork during the floods of late 2009. In addition severe frost and snow in recent weeks has left many roads in a deplorable condition. These secondary roads are being ignored by County Councils, which means that some villages have limited access while certain roads are completely closed.”

Mr. Downey added, “County Councils must immediately carry out their responsibilities by repairing damaged roads, clearing drains and ensure one national body takes on the responsibility of flood management.”

Commenting on the problems of littering in the countryside Mr Downey said, “County Councils have failed to prevent fly tipping and the dumping of litter by the travelling public, which is destroying countryside verges. County Councils must act to stop this illegal dumping as it impacts very negatively on the appearance of the countryside and the development of rural tourism.”

Eddie Downey said farmers take seriously their responsibilities for the environment they live and work in. “We are asking that County Councils take responsibility for these issues and act to resolve them immediately.

IFA Countryside Chairman Eddie Downey has called on County Councils to ensure that the damage caused to rural roads by the recent severe frost and ice is repaired immediately.

Mr. Downey said, “The freezing conditions have caused severe surface damage on many secondary roads where tarmacadam has lifted and road margins have subsided. Priority must be given to repairing these roads. In their current state they are very dangerous and unless the problem is addressed, it will lead to accidents and damage to vehicles.”

Eddie Downey said the extreme flooding followed by freezing conditions of the last three months have placed particular hardship on people living in rural communities, and at a minimum rural households and businesses expect the damage done to these roads to be repaired as a priority.
 

IFA Deputy President Elect Eddie Downey has praised the response of the farming community in providing help to their neighbours during the prolonged cold spell of weather.

He said, “Farmers have put their machinery to good use in looking after people who have become isolated because of the inadequate response from the authorities.  Many farmers are using their tractors, jeeps and quads to ensure that families have sufficient food and fuel supplies.”

Mr. Downey said, “The snow and frost has created many difficulties for farmers. Freezing pipes have left livestock without drinking water, slippery farmyards have made working conditions much more hazardous and milk collection has been disrupted because of the icy roads.”

€15million worth of potatoes have been destroyed due to the frost and farmers have had to organise extra fodder deliveries for sheep and cattle.

Despite the extra work load for farmers because of the prolonged cold spell of weather and the absence of an effective snow clearing and salting programme, Eddie Downey has urged farmers to remain vigilant and provide assistance to neighbours affected by the bad weather.

IFA Deputy President-elect Eddie Downey has called on Environment Minister John Gormley, National Roads Authority Chief Fred Barry and the County and City Managers Associations to immediately take action to rectify the inadequate response to the cold weather.

He said, “Rural Ireland is currently paralysed by the response of the authorities to the snow and
freezing road conditions. Failure to carry out gritting has left many areas inaccessible, forced the cancellation of social events and medical visits by District Health Nurses while many areas have no transport or postal services. At this stage schools that were due to re-open this Thursday are likely to stay closed as parents will not risk travelling the country roads.”

“The be patient and it will be ok response from the National Roads Authority is inadequate and unacceptable. A road salting and snow-clearing plan must now be put in place that sets out when and how every road from motorways to local roads will be gritted and cleared. In the short term, each County Council must provide roadside grit heaps on request, which will allow local people treat trouble spots on regional and secondary roads to avoid a repeat of the hardship facing rural Ireland at this time. For the future, local authorities should also contract local farmers to carry out this salting and road clearing. This already happens in the UK, with over 200 farmers contracted in some counties.”
 

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson has labelled the proposed ban on stag hunting as another attack on the heritage and livelihoods of rural Ireland. Such a ban which would put an end to 155 years of Ward Union tradition was agreed in the recently agreed Programme for Government.

Speaking as IFA Countryside launched their campaign to support the Ward Union at the International Hunting Festival in Punchestown, Mr. Wilkinson said, ‘Rural dwellers continue to see their basic services shut down, farming has seen cut after cut, the new gun licence application process has descended into farce and now we are faced with a ban on rural pastimes. It is tantamount to negligence by the government to put an industry which contributes €111 million to rural economies (according to a recent NUIG Study) in jeopardy’

Mr. Wilkinson concluded by calling on followers of all field sports to act now to protect their rural traditions. ‘It is vital that we put up a strong and united front to fight this totally unjustified and wholly misguided ban. Register your disgust by signing our petition on www.ifacountryside.ie, contact your local TD to let them know of the importance of field sports to the social and economic well being of the Irish Countryside and sign up to an organization such as the IFA Countryside which will fight for the future of field sports in this country.’
 

Following complaints from members of huge difficulties with the new firearms certificate application process IFA Countryside held a meeting with the Garda Firearms Policy Unit. IFA Countryside secured commitments from unit representatives that the required documentation and an assistance service will be available at every Garda station to help applicants who are having difficulty with the application procedure.

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson said, ‘This whole process is a logistical nightmare. The commitment from the Gardai to put in place a service in every Garda Station to assist applicants is a step in the right direction as is the decision to produce a step by step guide on the application. However we are still faced with a situation where every gun owner in the country will have to fill in an extremely time consuming and complicated application for every gun in their possession.’

Mr. Wilkinson welcomed clarification that a much simpler process will be put in place for renewals in three years time but he warned that there is still a huge lack of knowledge amongst gun owners as the October 31st deadline to have guns relicensed draws closer, ‘Many applicants are still unaware that this is an application rather than a renewal and that they must complete a substantial document which requires medical details, character references etc.’
 

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson has called on Minister for Environment John Gormley to honour his commitment to hunt kennels that they will be exempt from new dog breeding establishment regulations.

Mr. Wilkinson said. ‘The unique nature and high standards of hunt kennels sets them apart from commercial establishments. Hunt kennels obviously keep dogs for purely sporting purposes and their wellbeing is essential to the success of the hunt. To lump them in with commercial kennels shows a misunderstanding of their role.’

Mr. Wilkinson warned that this move comes at a time when fieldsports enthusiasts are being inundated with more and more red tape. ‘It is essential fieldsport organisations show a united front so we can get our message across to policy makers in the clearest terms possible.’
 

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson has renewed his call on Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern to make amendments to the proposed firearms licensing arrangements following the unprecedented response from attendees of the Irish Game and Country Fair at Birr, Co. Offaly. A petition circulated at the fair generated a huge response as anger over the new arrangement grows.

Mr. Wilkinson said, ‘The thing that struck most is the fact that most gun owners while aware of a change are shocked when they see the actual application form and the extent of the information required..

He continued, ‘Most firearms held in rural areas on farms were licensed under a limited vermin licence. Holders of these licenses are now faced with a 400% increase in the cost of their license, and are required to pay three years up front. Landowners require firearms as a tool for good farm practice preventing sheep worrying and crop damage etc of which there has been a noticeable increase in recent times.

Mr. Wilkinson concluded, ‘It appears there is a totally unacceptable imbalance between landowners who are faced with this huge increase while game hunters dependent on goodwill access to the same farmland will face no increase. This situation should never have arisen and Minister Ahern must act immediately to remedy this unacceptable and divisive situation’
 

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson today called on the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern to rethink the newly introduced licensing system for firearms. Under the new legislation all gun owners are required to invest a huge amount of time satisfying complex and confusing red tape requirements.

Mr Wilkinson said, ‘this new system is a logistical nightmare which does not recognise the outstanding record of those who have legally held firearms in this country in the past. IFA Countryside has been inundated with complaints from worried members who are seriously considering abandoning the sport altogether.’

He concluded, ‘the licensing system should aim to keep firearms out of the hands of undesirables while making it user friendly for those who use them legally. IFA Countryside were at no point, during the firearms consultative panels meetings, informed that red tape of this degree was going to be introduced.”
 

Rural postal service must be protected - IFA Countryside

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson has called on An Post to reassure rural dwellers that that the rural postal service will remain unaffected by the recent decision to end all weekend collection of mail.

Mr. Wilkinson said, ‘The postal network is the major communications link in rural Ireland where other options such as couriers are unavailable. To have a situation where it will take five days for a letter to reach its destination would be a huge impediment to the day to day affairs of rural businesses.’

He continued, ‘The importance of the postal network to homes and businesses in rural Ireland cannot be underestimated.  Any reduction in service will lead to significant time and money costs which would have a severe impact in already difficult times. ‘

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson today responded to the recent rise in instances of rural crime by outlining 5 basic steps rural dwellers can take to prevent rural crime. In recent months, thefts of livestock, cars, machinery and other valuables have become commonplace in rural Ireland, causing understandable anxiety to older people and those living in more isolated areas.

Mr. Wilkinson said, ‘There is a perception amongst criminals that they are less likely to get caught committing a crime in a rural area. Those of us living in the countryside can, by taking the following steps, do our bit to combat this perception and ensure that the rural Ireland is no longer seen as a soft touch by criminals’

The Steps are as follows

1. Participate in your local community alert scheme. The more active participants a community alert scheme has the more effective it will be
2. Keep all valuables under lock and key. This may seem obvious but a large percentage of crime is opportunistic.
3. Utilise technology. Security Lighting, Alarms etc are significant deterrents. 
4. Mark or personalise equipment. Make it more easily identifiable as yours and therefore more difficult for criminals to sell on.
5.  Take a note of suspicious people/vehicles. Write descriptions, number plates, etc. down.

Mr. Wilkinson urged Gardai and Community Alert groups to come together to formulate a co-ordinated and proactive response to the problem. ‘Criminals targeting rural areas must be caught and brought to justice. The latest technology such as text alert schemes warning of ATM Skimming, fraudsters calling on elderly people etc must be utilised.’    
 

IFA Countryside today announced details of an exclusive new associate deal with the Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI). Under the new deal, which brings the HAI under the IFA Countryside umbrella, HAI members will have access to IFA Countryside Personal Accident Insurance, Third Party Limited Liability Cover & many of IFA Countryside’s valuable member benefits.

Welcoming the agreement IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson said ‘This deal meets the insurance and legal liability needs of HAI members at very competitive rates. This is another example of how IFA Countryside can serve as a link between the agricultural and wider rural communities’

HAI Secretary Dickie Power is confident the deal will be an overwhelming success, ‘We are encouraging all hunting clubs to participate in the new deal. The HAI has a long relationship with IFA Countryside and is a member of it’s Field-Sports Consultative Panel. I’m sure that HAI members will recognize the value both of this deal and of the relationship with IFA Countryside.’

HAI members who wish to avail of the deal are advised to contact the HAI at 085 11000645 or 087 0575460 or on www.hai.ie

Following on from a successful Go Local campaign coordinated by IFA Countryside with the support of the GAA, Churches, An Post, FBD Insurance, Vintners Federation, Shops and Bord Bia, IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson today stressed that consumers can prevent more job losses by putting an extra emphasis on spending money locally.

Mr. Wilkinson said, “Almost 2 million people are still gainfully employed in Ireland and with mortgage interest rates cut by 2%, oil prices reduced by over 25% and inflation dropped to 0%, a significant proportion of the population have actually more spending power and are better off today than they were this time last year.”

He said, “The issue is that as consumers we have allowed ourselves to be frightened into hoarding our money by persistent doom and gloom news about the economy. This halt in spending is creating a vicious circle. Lack of spending is putting pressure on businesses and jobs and is further reducing government tax revenue all of which is required to run the country. If consumers continue this negative behaviour then their concerns will become a reality for many of their friends and families and this economy will further regress into recession. It’s time to start spending again and if consumers do so then they are doing their bit to get our economy going again.”

Concluding Mr. Wilkinson said, “The media also has an obligation to highlight the positives as well as the negatives. It must focus on communicating the need to spend locally. Ordinary people can do an enormous amount to help protect the jobs of their families, friends and neighbours. We are in a difficult situation but people must have an honest look at their own financial situation and grasp the opportunity to make a positive contribution and help save jobs”

IFA Countryside is delighted to announce the winners for the Go Local Text and E- Mail Competition. Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter. We are delighted to confirm that the overall winner of the €5,000 prize was Ballyduff Upper Community Council in Waterford.

Winners of €100

Loretta McDermott - Roscommon

Daniel Power - Waterford

Stephen Webster - Cork

Teresa Costello - Roscommon

Mary Browne - Clare

Gerry McGarry - Leitrim

Arena O'Sullivan - Kerry

John Kiersey - Cork

Katherine O'Farrell - Cork

Kathleen Flanagan - Tipperary

Derek Smyth - Cavan

Breda O' Leary - Cork

Michael Kiely - Limerick

Mary Brett - Wicklow

Humphrey O'Connor - Kerry

Ganna Gordyeyeva - Cork

Marian Barrett - Cork

Kathleen Copithorne - Cork

Avril Fench - Cork

David Quinn - Galway

Rachel Connolly - Roscommon

Brian Kirby - Clare

Gearldine Curran - Galway

Julie Barden - Wexford

Phyllis Buckley - Cork

Darren McGovern - Sligo

Audrey Fayne - Longford

Derek Behan -

Carol O' Brien - Limerick

Kathleen Crowley - Cork

Lila Vaughan -

Mary Kileen - Galway

Maura Melody - Clare

Liz Crowley - Cork

Martina Rafferty - Louth

Margaret McCarthy - Tipperary

Noel O' Regan -Charleville

Noreen Fahy

Anna-Marie Sweeney - Kilkenny

Tom Whelan

Yvonne O'Reilly - Cavan

Michael Rattigan - Mayo

Eileen Barry - Kerry

Eileen Jordan - Kilkenny

John Costello - Roscommon

James Hickey - Galway

Mary Collins - Cork

We are still trying to contact a number of winners. Their names will appear here as soon as we get in touch

The IFA, GAA, Churches, An Post, Vintners and Shops have all come together to promote a strong ‘Go Local’ message to the general public highlighting the importance of supporting local services, produce and voluntary groups. A major information and activity campaign is to run in communities throughout the country from November 23^rd to 29^th. Local Dwellers will be encouraged by patron organisations to become more involved and support the many valuable local businesses surrounding them through a major information campaign on media, radio and print. The initiative is being co-ordinated by IFA Countryside, the rural affairs wing of the IFA and supported by FBD and Bord Bia

David Wilkinson, IFA Countryside Chairman encouraged farm families and rural homes to get actively involved. He said, “The importance of local services and organisations to rural economies cannot be underestimated in terms of community support, social interaction and job creation.”

IFA President Padraig Walshe said, “It is essential that people realise that by buying Irish and shopping local every week they are supporting their neighbours, friends and families which all leads to more vibrant and sustainable communities.” 

GAA president, Nicky Brennan commented on how ‘Going Local’ is something that comes naturally to his organisation saying “Community and club is at the heart of the GAA and we delighted to support this important initiative.” 

Donal Connell, Chief Executive of An Post said, “An Post’s network is nationwide and our business is about delivering local services locally. A measure of our confidence in the future of our business and that of the communities we serve is the investment we’re making in the development of this unique retail network, and improving local mails services quality. This campaign is an expression of that confidence’’ 

Archbishop of Cahel and Emly, Most Reverend Dermot Clifford DD encouraged everyone to get involved in the campaign saying “I am very happy to give my wholehearted support to the 'Go Local Campaign' which is being launched by IFA Countryside.  I have encouraged all my Priests and my people to use their local services during the coming week and in the future.  If we do not do so, these services will disappear one after the other. The pensioners, those without cars and of course the local shopkeepers, postmasters- postmistresses, petrol station proprietors and publicans will be the first to suffer and ultimately everyone will be the poorer.  Every local community must therefore be prepared to make sacrifices to ensure that they do not end up a "Deserted Village". 

VFI President Val Hanley outlined the reasons why the VFI got involved. “Our members are an integral part of local communities throughout the country and therefore the VFI is delighted to be involved in the Go Local campaign. The pub has always been at the very heart of the community and represents a vital point of social interaction for many people, especially in rural Ireland. While economic progress has brought many advantages it has often been at the expense of our community values and this initiative represents an ideal opportunity to bring the focus back on the local community once again.” 

Joe O’ Connor, President of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association said, “The CSNA welcomes this opportunity to support this worthwhile initiative. We are confident that the initiative will help strengthen the sustainability of community”

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson yesterday urged Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan to prioritise the rollout of the national broadband scheme. This comes amid media reports that the scheme has been delayed and may not be finished for another two years.

Mr. Wilkinson said, “Rural Businesses face the same difficult economic climate as everyone else and must be given a level playing field. The quick rollout of the national broadband scheme has never been more important for the rural economy.

He concluded by saying, “Reports of a drop in the budget for the national broadband scheme are very disappointing. The provision of vital infrastructure such as broadband help safeguard existing jobs and increase the chances of creating new ones. Failure to provide infrastructure in certain areas will see a migration of jobs and people to those areas that have broadband.”

Revelations in the media that ambulance trips take 50% longer on average than internationally accepted norms in many rural areas throughout the country have been met with outrage by IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson. Average times for admission for rural patients by ambulance in some parts of rural Ireland is 1½ hours, half an hour longer than the ‘Golden Hour’ Standard and 1 hour 15 minutes longer than in some urban areas.

Mr Wilkinson said, “The most shocking thing is that these figures are the average figures. That means that a substantial number of people are actually waiting longer than 1½ hours for their ambulance the consequences of which are frightening.”

He continued, “The HSE must take all necessary steps immediately to fulfil its obligation to provide an ambulance service that meets international standards to everyone living in Ireland. At present rural dwellers are being discriminated against in this regard and may be paying for it with their lives.”       

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson called on the Minister for Environment, John Gormley to recognise and address the differences between rural and urban families when it comes to calculating the proposed carbon tax. Mr. Wilkinson was reacting to an ESRI report which concluded that rural families would be hit hardest by the proposed carbon tax setting them back in excess of €208 per year. 

Mr. Wilkinson concluded, “The Minister must ensure that the proposed carbon taxes are applied fairly and all people regardless of where they live are treated equally and that the proposed carbon taxes do not become another stealth tax on rural dwellers”  

He said, “This report confirms that those living in the countryside are once again the scapegoats of government policy. On one hand we in the countryside are faced with the closure of essential services such as post offices, Garda stations and petrol stations, forcing rural dwellers to travel long distances. Then we are told we have to pay more tax for the privilege.”

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson today urged all rural dwellers to make a submission to the Department of Communications on the opening up to competition of the postal network.

Mr Wilkinson said, “It is vital with the introduction of competition that the pursuit of profits does not undermine the rural postal service. The Universal Service Obligation included in the directive must be defined when being passed into Irish Law. This definition must safeguard a daily service for all parts of the country as well as ensuring prices remain the same throughout Ireland. Rural dwellers must not be forced to make do with a reduced service and/or higher prices.”

He continued, “Rural families must act now to safeguard their postal service by logging on to www.dcmnr.gov.ie/communications/postal and making a submission before July 7th. For an example of how liberalizing the postal network can go wrong we only need to look at Northern Ireland and Britain where a reduction in service and zonal pricing are already a reality for many rural families.”

IFA Countryside Chairman David Wilkinson has singled out the poor signposting of some rural road-works and the overgrowth of road verges especially on narrow country roads as issues which are increasing the risk of accident especially during the holiday period.

Mr Wilkinson said the overly restrictive regulations on hedge-cutting need to be addressed saying, “The effect of banning hedge-cutting from the 1st of March to the 31st August is that it drastically reduces visibility as weeds and bushes grow out from both sides of already narrow roads.”

He said that the hedge cutting restriction period was too long and that reducing it to the middle of July would better balance road safety concerns as nesting birds have in the main left by then. “Rural road users are being put at unnecessary risk and while there is an exemption for public health and safety it is bureaucratic and consequently not used near enough.”

Mr Wilkinson also called on local county councils to put a greater emphasis on the signposting of temporary road works especially on narrow rural roads. He said, “The summer months see a significant increase in tourist traffic on rural roads and local authorities have an obligation to ensure that these road-works are well signposted so that unfamiliarity with local road works does not lead to unnecessary accidents.”

IFA Countryside has announced a comprehensive range of benefits for members for 2008.