Farming Community Needs DARD Support Now’

 

‘Farming Community Needs DARD Support Now’

      claims Joe Byrne MLA, Deputy Chair Assembly ARD Committee

 

The massive fall in farm incomes in 2012, where farm incomes on average fell by 52%, requires urgent government action by DARD to address the crisis in farming. We are all aware that 2012 was a disaster year for many in the farming community, with bad weather combining with low farm gate prices and higher input costs, particularly for feed and fuel adding to the problem.

The recent report by DARD on farm incomes for 2012 is a sorry tale of woe and anxiety for all connected with farming and the rural economy. The on-going difficulty experienced by many farmers regarding Single Farm Payment delays and associated difficulties regarding farm inspections, with associated disputes about grant claimants, are all adding to frustration and indeed anger.

The banking pressures, allied with all the above problems are simply putting many farmers in a difficult position regarding their future in agriculture. Cash flow problems are being compounded because of delayed SFP and other DARD payments. In the Assembly there has been much debate and questions to the DARD Minister Michelle O Neill regarding these problems, but little to date has been done by DARD to alleviate the farming difficulties.

In recent weeks the food scare about burger meat products, and the termination of some food supply contracts by some supermarket chains with some food processors, are all adding to the uncertainty and the crisis and confidence regarding our food growing and processing in Northern Ireland.

As we need to export 80% of our farm produce it is crucially important that domestic and overseas consumers have confidence and buy our food products. Our quality image and reputation as a food production region within Europe must be protected and indeed enhanced going forward.  It is vitally important that DARD and Food Safety authorities work together in a totally connected way to make sure that there are no gaps in ensuring quality food products end up in the supermarket, available for discerning customers.

The time has come for DARD and the Minister to be forthright and up to the task of addressing the farming related difficulties outlined above. And that they are committed to ensuring that quality assured products are presented to the consumer to command good prices for quality food at all times.

Like never before, the farming industry and the associated food processing sector need all of the government support necessary to help at this time.

DARD must address their efficiency and administrative systems so that grant payment to farmers like the SFP are paid more promptly so that farmers are not penalised or denied their money entitlement from the European Support Funds.

The farming community need government action and support now because of the difficult situation that many farmers find themselves in. Indeed the rural economy also needs this support at a very uncertain time for the industry.

SDLP welcomes improvements to Doneyloop Road in Clady

Byrne welcomes improvements to Doneyloop Road in Clady

This week West-Tyrone SDLP MLA Joe Byrne has welcomed the on-going improvements to the Tullymoan Road between Clady and Doneyloop.

Mr Byrne said “I am very pleased to see the work being carried out on this stretch of road between Clady and Doneyloop. In the last number of months The SDLP Team in Strabane has been contacted on a number of occasions by various Clady residents, looking for repair works to be carried out as the road was littered with potholes.”

“The potholes were a concern for residents who were worried at the damage being to their cars when using the road. The Doneyloop Road can be extremely busy on occasions, especially during Mass times at the local St. Columba’s Church. I am also pleased to welcome the placement of footpaths on the road to accommodate pedestrians walking between Clady and Doneyloop, and again for any one walking to the local church.”

“The Strabane SDLP team has been lobbying both Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council for work like this to be carried out. The work is on-going and due to be completed within the next six weeks”.  

SDLP emphasises importance of internet safety!

SDLP MLA Joe Byrne has highlighted the importance of the need for increased measures to support and protect children across West Tyrone.

 “With 99% of children across the UK having access to the internet it is paramount that we ensure they are protected and aided while using it.

“The internet is a powerful tool that can educate, assist growth and nurture development. However, while we recognise its benefits, it is vital we identify and prohibit its dangers.

“Almost 50% of children aged 10-11 are currently on a social networking site. For most children of this age the sites are used to communicate with friends and socialise. Unfortunately, there are some children and adults that use such sites to bully, manipulate and in some cases for more sinister motivations.

“It is necessary that we do all that we can to make children and young people aware of these potential dangers. Promote safety online and also teach children to recognise signs their safety may be compromised.

“I hope that the Assembly can support parents and educational providers teaching children about online dangers by bringing forward an Internet Safety Strategy aimed at eradicating these problems. While we must stress the need to be safe online, we must also ensure that parents are confident to allow children to explore the web without worry or fear. We live in a digital age and as a Government we should support the increased digital capability of our young people. In order to advocate such support we must ensure there is a strong safety net in place for all our young people’s protection.”

SDLP listening to concerns of local businesses!

The SDLP has conducted a survey of local businesses to hear, directly, their concerns about the current economic situation and the Executive’s response.

The West Tyrone MLA contacted many local businesses in Castlederg, Strabane and Omagh received responses on a wide variety of issues. Speaking afterwards Mr Byrne said:

“If the Executive is to provide real assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises in this difficult economic climate then they must listen to those businesses.

“The construction industry felt the impact of the cuts in public spending first. Other sectors are also feeling the effects of the austerity measures as the economy continues to stagnate.

“The local SDLP team have contacted businesses across Strabane and Castlederg and Omagh to hear directly from them the issues and ideas they have which the Executive should be addressing. The businesses involved are active in all sectors of the economy - construction, retail, health sector, hospitality, engineering, etc.

“The responses covered a wide variety of topics in a number of areas that local businesses believe government and banks could do more to help.

“Small and medium sized local businesses across Northern Ireland want to develop and expand those businesses to provide more jobs for their communities.

“They need help and advice on the best ways they can achieve that and the response they get from local and central government is, in their experience, failing in a number of areas.

“Constituency Representative, Daniel McCrossan said: whilst I visited the businesses in Castlederg and Strabane a major concern for many was the lack of access to the necessary credit to sustain and invest in their business. The banks do have the means to lend, such as schemes like Funding for Lending, and more can be done between businesses and banks to ensure that proposals are presented in the best possible way.”

“The SDLP will be raising the issues highlighted by this survey with the relevant Ministers in the Executive, and pursing these matters further as Chair of the Enterprise, Trade & Investment Committee. The SDLP will work with local businesses, across the north, on individual matters of finance and advice.

“The SDLP will also be hosting a business forum later this year where businesses can deal directly with finance and advice services on the issues that directly affect their business.”

SDLP saddened by death of PSNI Officer!

SDLP saddened by death of PSNI Officer

SDLP Party Chairman, Joe Byrne MLA has expressed his shock and sadness at the death of a female PSNI Officer in Derry who has been killed in a car accident while on duty.

Mr Byrne said:

“On behalf of the SDLP, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Constable Philippa Reynolds, the young police women who was tragically killed in the line of duty in Derry last week. This is indeed a very difficult time for the entire community but also for those who were on duty alongside her when this tragedy occurred. It is my understanding that a stolen car was involved in the accident. This is obviously criminal activity gone wrong and as a result of this recklessness a young life has been lost and many left to suffer the pain of such devastation. I call on those responsible, or anyone who has any information, to come forward to the PSNI."

SDLP: Strabane lets get behind Ryan Dolan and support one of our own!

SDLP: Strabane Talent Continues to Shine!

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne this week has shared his delight that a young Strabane man has been selected as favourite to represent Ireland in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Speaking after the announcement Mr Byrne said, the announcement this week that a young Strabane man has been installed as favourite to represent Ireland at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest is a strong reminder of all that is good and all that is great in the Strabane District. I am sure I speak for the entire community when I say that we are very proud that young Ryan Dolan has been selected to represent Ireland in this year’s competition.

Ryan has been one of Strabane’s many rising Stars, with his exceptional performing talents he has been a very bright and successful performing future ahead of him.

It is great to see a young man pushing himself forward and believing in all that is possible but also that Strabane’s great talent is being recognised. I would ask that the entire community get behind Ryan and support him on this very exciting journey.

Let’s also pay tribute when recognising Strabane’s fantastic young talent to Terri O’Reilly who recently performed on RTE’s The Voice of Ireland. Terri left of from another Strabane man Jim Devine who performed last year and gave world class performances. Terri gave a fantastic performance on the show and continues to do her family, friends and community proud.

With a population of under 40 000 people, Strabane is no stranger to talent. I would hope this fantastic strength and determination by our young people in sharing their many talents continues to spread. It’s about time Strabane stood up and was counted, lets show the world what we are made of.

SDLP: Action needed to tackle suicide!

SDLP have responded to figures that suggest the suicide rate in the North is up by 100 per cent.

“The revelation this week that the incidence of suicide in Northern Ireland has doubled over the last fifteen years will sadden many but surprise few.

“What it must do, however, is focus the minds and concentrated the efforts of us as politicians to do all that we can to tackle what is fast becoming an epidemic.

“According to statistics it takes around 300 lives a year. There are no statistics, however showing how many lives it destroys or the devastation it causes in families and communities. We in Strabane have suffered considerable losses to suicide over the last 10 years with many families still suffering the hurt and heart ache. The impact of suicide is immeasurable. Behind every one of these 300 are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, friends all left trying to pick up the pieces and make sense of the inexplicable.

“Suicide is an extremely complex issue. No two lives are the same and no two deaths are the same. Links have been made between the dire economic outlook and the increase in suicide. Without doubt deprivation and lack of hope are factors and factors that can be affected by government but there is much more to it than that.

“Some are attributed to stress, relationship breakdown, poverty and struggles with addiction. Some shock and baffle everyone with no indication given that anything was wrong.

“Many organisations work tirelessly and work well: reaching out to people in despair and helping them through their darkest hours.

“These groups must be better resourced and while they are great at listening, they need listened to. Access to mental health services must be improved and more work done to banish the stigma still attached to mental illness.

“The SDLP do not question the commitment of the Health Minister or of any party to tackling suicide but it is apparent that more can be done and more must be done.”