Oireachtas Agriculture Committee Motion Successful in Dáil - Jackie Cahill

A motion brought to the floor of the Dáil byTipperary Fianna Fáil TD, Jackie Cahill, as Chairperson of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, was accepted yesterday evening by the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD.

Following an hour and a half of debate in the Dáil, the Minister agreed to the Committee’s request for an independent review into the issues on Dan Brennan’s farm arising from the alleged industrial emissions from a nearby factory.

Deputy Cahill previously brought this issue before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee and yesterday evening presented the Committee’s report on the issue to the Dáil.

Speaking on this today, Deputy Cahill said: “I am delighted that Dan Brennan’s case will finally receive the independent review that it deserves. Dan and his family have battled for years for justice into what happened on his farm and how this issue was handled by the Department at the time.

“I have been working with Dan Brennan for the last couple of years in my capacity as Chairperson of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee. Dan and his colleagues previously made a presentation in front of the committee where he outlined the years of struggle he has experienced as a result of the alleged pollution on his farm by a neighbouring factory.

“The committee report has now been presented to the Dáil, with Minister Charlie McConalogue agreeing to an independent review into the handling of this case by Department officials and other agencies at the time. This matter was brought to Brussels with hearings taking place, but that Committee never reached a conclusion.

"Following this, Dan Brennan’s file was sent back to Dublin with no report attached. We have a long list of questions that we need clarified so that Dan and his family can finally have the answers they deserve,” Deputy Cahill said.