The big issues of General Election 2024 in Kilkenny - Farming
What are the big issues for you in Kilkenny?
Issues affecting the farming community are polarising the parties in this election campaign and are sure to come up on the doorsteps in a hugely rural constituency like Carlow-Kilkenny, regulations and the future of farming are key.
The approach to retaining Ireland’s nitrates derogation is one such issue dividing the parties.
Plans to establish a new cabinet committee on water quality represents Fine Gael’s absolute commitment to retaining the nitrates derogation, say two of the party’s candidates in the upcoming general election - Cllr Michael Doyle in Carlow-Kilkenny and Cllr Phyll Bugler in North Tipp - Northwest Kilkenny.
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An Taoiseach Simon Harris’ plans for a new committee focused on water quality represents the best possible chance of retaining Ireland’s nitrates derogation, they agree.
“The loss of the derogation would have significant negative impacts not only for the farmers directly affected in Carlow/ Kilkenny but also the wider agriculture sector and our rural economy.”
However, Deputy Malcolm Noonan has had to field accusations that his party, The Green Party, doesn’t understand rural Ireland. On the contrary, he argues, the Greens’ on-the-ground approach to water quality will work far better to support the retention of the Nitrates Derogation than Fine Gael's solution of yet another committee.
Meanwhile, young farmers have also set out their priorities for local election candidates.
Succession in farming is a critical issue which Macra says must be urgently addressed by the delivery of a comprehensive succession policy with the outcome of a succession scheme that specifically addresses the barriers to entry and start up for young farmers.