Rudkin's Mill, Bagenalstown Photo - Judge Media
New proposals could be disastrous for lamb prices
Carlow IFA Sheep Chairman Derek Deacon claims the Department of
Agriculture's latest proposal on the ewe premium retention period for
2001 could spell disaster for the spring lamb market next year.
Following a meeting with Department of Agriculture officials and the IFA
he said the 13th of April end of retention proposed by the Department
would destroy the market for spring lamb and cost lamb producers dearly. He
pointed out that as April 13 2001 is Good Friday, farmers could not
move hoggets until Easter Tuesday April 17.
Following the breakdown of the latest meeting, IFA is now insisting
on a face to face meeting with Minister Walsh to resolve the issue.
Mr. Deacon said IFA was demanding a mid March end to the ewe premium
retention period so that the disposal of hoggets would be completed
before spring lamb was marketed next year.
Mr Deacon said "Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh has the power to set
mid March as the end of retention which would allow spring lamb prices
achieve their full potential."
"Minister Walsh has full responsibility to ensure that sheep farmers
get the opportunity of a fair price and a proper reward for the extra cost of
spring lamb production," he added.
Bagenalstown, Tullow, Hacketstown and Tinnahinch/Graiguenamanagh are to benefit from the new Town Renewal Scheme, which will provide tax incentives for new developments in each of the four areas.
The designation means that residential tax incentives are now available in ceartain areas of the towns, but incentives for commercial and industrial developments have not yet been announced, as the Government awaits EU approval.
The four towns were put forward for the special designation by Carlow County Council, following extensive consutations with members of the public and interested groups throughout the county.
Full details of the scheme are available from Carlow County Council (0503-70300)
Email secretar@carlowcoco.ie
An Post has issued a new set of stmps honouring the Hurlers of the Millennium.
The stamp set, on a single sheetlet, shows portraits of the fifteen hurlers, deemed to be the best of the Millennium. Four come from Kilkenny, three from Tipperary and Cork, two from Wexford, and one each from Offaly, Limerick, and Waterford.
The "Millennium Team" is Goalkeeper-Tony Reddin (Tipperary) Right Full Back-Bobby Rackard (Wexford) Full Back-Nick O'Donnell (Wexford) Left Full Back-John Doyle (Tipperary) Right Half Back-Brian Whelahan (Offaly) Centre Half Back-John Keane (Waterford) Left Half Back-Paddy Phelan (Kilkenny) Midfield-Lory Meagher (Kilkenny) Midfield-Jack Lynch (Cork) Right Half Forward-Christy Ring (Cork) Centre Forward-Mick Mackey (Limerick) Left Half Forward-Jim Langton (Kilkenny) Right Corner Forward-Jimmy Doyle (Tipperary) Full Forward-Ray Cummins (Cork) and Left Corner Forward-Eddie Keher (Kilkenny).
The stamps cost 30p each and the full sheetlet sells at £4.50. The stamps are available at all post offices.
Pictured in the Med Bar, Carlow - Connie Hyland, Heatherfield Court, Veronica Gordon, Burrindale, and Michele, Pauline and Mary Clarke, Sleatty Street, Graiguecullen.
Photographed by Tony Maher E-mail Tony