Wicklow Uplands Council

Lobbying Organisation Wicklow Uplands Council

Date published 20 Jan, 2016

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Agriculture

Period 1 Sep, 2015 to 31 Dec, 2015

Specific Details We highlighted the need for political support for a locally led agri environment scheme for the Wicklow Uplands. It has been advised that there will a competitive call for applications for the scheme in 2016. Given our work in the area in the past five years in looking for a locally led agri-environment scheme, we are well positioned as a forerunner to develop and implement one of the first 'uplands' schemes in the country.

Intended results We had concerns that the scheme may be awarded to another less prepared group due to strong political support. This would not only be unjustified but could also result in a weaker scheme, due to lack of preparations. Therefore we asked that the Wicklow TDs would back our application when the time comes.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Cara Heraty - Coordinator

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

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

There was a joint meeting of the Wicklow TDs arranged in Leinster House, November 2015, where we highlighted our work to date in preparation for the scheme. We also highlighted our concerns that political backing could result in the award of the scheme to another group over preparatory work.

Meeting (1)

An individual meeting was held with TDs absent from the joint meeting. Again outlining the need for political backing

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.

Simon Harris TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Andrew Doyle TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Billy Timmins TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Stephen Donnelly TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Anne Ferris TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)