Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Local Government
Period
1 Jan, 2019 to 30 Apr, 2019
Specific Details
IFA Manifesto for Local Government Elections 2019
Intended results
Rural transport: roll-out of the Local Link evening service, operating 12 months of the year in each local authority area. Introduction of services such as ridesharing, grocery delivery and taxi transportation network in rural areas, similar to the Uber model.
Rural roads: each local authority should publish LIS expenditure quarterly & set out a LIS awareness campaign to maximise uptake; LIS funding be fully restored to pre-2008 levels. Local authorities work with Government to develop a national strategy, including extra funding from road tax paid by motorists, ensuring proper maintenance of rural roads. Introduction of a timber transport scheme to provide additional funding to local authorities to invest in the rural road network.
Broadband: accessible & affordable fibre network that meets speed & data usage requirements of both current and future Irish consumers. Immediate roll out of network across whole of Ireland for all rural premises; starting at most rural edges to ensure most in need are priority. Roll out most be completed within time frames & penalties if missed. Preservation of USO with existing/new operators. Voucher system for temporary wireless whilst NBP qualified premises wait for fibre.
Tyre recycling: Government makes additional funding available for four sites which are already contracted for.
Large animal veterinary services: Government must urgently carry out a national review of all components of large animal veterinary services. This must identify and address the issues contributing to the growing shortage of large animal veterinary services.
Regional Veterinary Laboratories: Government provides funding to upgrade all existing Regional Veterinary Laboratories and enhances the services provided to farmers
TB programme: The Department of Agriculture provides resources to fully compensate and support farmers in implementing the controls deemed necessary to achieve eradication of TB. TB Forum must address concerns and issues raised by farmers. Currently, this is not a functioning forum.
Water: Where farmers incur yield & income losses through compliance with regulations in provision of water to local communities, local authorities must work with Irish Water to provide for compensation for these restrictions e.g. exclusion zones. A review of the duplication of water quality inspections. End to unannounced inspections & support for work of ASSAP water quality programme, by working with farmers to deliver compliance & build community capacity to address water quality challenges.
Rural Planning & County Development Plans (CDP): Each CDP acknowledges importance of farming. Inclusion of chapter in each CDP supporting development of farm scales and community renewables. Recognition in CDPs of the need for rural housing for farmers & their family members who have an intrinsic link with the rural community. Each CDP waivers development charges, where development is taking place due to EU or national regulations.
Rates on Farm Buildings & Agricultural Land: the exemption applying to farm buildings in the Valuation Act 2001 & the 'relevant property not rateable' list continues as is in the Valuation's Office revaluation review process.
Flooding: Minor Works Scheme is simplified with a cost/ benefit analysis, which more appropriately assesses farmland. Local authorities ensure maximum draw-down of funds available.
Local Community Development Companies (LCDC)/Leader: to support a review of LCDC/ Leader process to improve uptake of funds and to ensure that vital EU Leader funds support farmers, rural dwellers and communities.
Walks Scheme: the additional allocations in Budget 2018 must be fully spent in 2019.
Rural Social Scheme (RSS): changes to the eligibility criteria for the RSS to include low-income farmers who are not currently eligible for Farm Assist.
Litter: amending legislation, which currently places illegal responsibility on farmers/homeowners to clean up others' dumping. An Garda Siochana/Data Protection Commissioner resolve prevention of data-sharing where CCTV cameras used to deter criminal activity/illegal dumping. Introduce by-laws to strengthen penalties imposed on offenders/serial dumpers. County Councils provide civic amenity sites, including skips on outskirts of towns/villages where rubbish can be safely disposed.
Recreational routes: Landowners/IFA must be consulted in advance of selection/publication of route; in protecting farms' integrity & using all available public land; in developing code of practice, which sets out landowners' rights/entitlements; in ensuring landowners are indemnified against any claims; to ensure all health & safety concerns are addressed. Voluntary agreements, not compulsory acquisition of land. Provide professional agronomists to impacted landowners.
Crime: greater visibility/increased Garda numbers & presence; an established go-to-person. Roll out of national rural Community CCTV Scheme/resolve GDPR issues accessing community footage in special cases. No territorial issues/divisional boundaries - nearest Garda must respond. Timelier feedback to victims/greater investigation follow up. Establishment of national dedicated multi-agency Rural Crime Task Force. Development of Gardai national policy on trespass/illegal hunting.
Responsible Dog Control: Improved dog warden services in all counties, ensuring all dog owners (including farmers) licence, microchip & register their dogs; also ensure owners always keep dogs under control. Education and awareness are essential, Government funds re-run of TV ad campaign on responsible dog ownership from the 1980s. One central authorised database for micro-chipping/dog licencing, under the control of one Government Department.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Joe Healy, IFA President
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Mass communications
Letter All Oireachtas Members
Submission All Oireachtas Members
Letter All MEPs
Submission All MEPs
Letter All Councillors
Submission All Councillors
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Informal communication (11-20)
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Pat Deering
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Charlie McConalogue
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Lower House of the Oireachtas)
Jackie Cahill
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Martin Kenny
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Willie Penrose
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Thomas Pringle
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Senator (Seanad)
Paul Daly
Senator (Seanad)
Tim Lombard
Senator (Seanad)
Michelle Mulherin
Senator (Seanad)
Philip O'Callaghan
Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)
John Carroll
Head of Unit (Department of the Taoiseach)
Victor Boyhan
Senator (Seanad)