Agri Politics
Independent general election candidate and outgoing TD, Mattie McGrath has issued a stark warning about the crisis facing Irish family farms.
Rural Life
TD Mattie McGrath has said he will introduce a bill today to remove An Taisce as a 'prescribed authority' in planning legislation.
The leader of the Rural Independents, Mattie McGrath has claimed that scoring for some commonages under ACRES has been "extremely harsh".
The leader of the Rural Independent Group of TDs has called for a multi-million aid package for farmers in the upcoming budget.
The Rural Independent Group leader has called on the government to reverse the recent increase in fuel excise as "motorists are under siege".
Criticism has continued of the proposed plan to reduce emissions in transport, with one TD saying it "discriminates against rural areas".
Beef
Rural TDs have issued calls for the government to step in and offer supports to farmers with a shortage of fodder on their farms.
TD Mattie McGrath has said that Irish MEPs are 'abandoning' family farms following the approval of the Nature Restoration Law
TD Mattie McGrath has described the roll out of septic tank grants as 'ridiculous', as many people are unable to avail due to location
Agri-Business
The Rural Independent Group of TDs leader Mattie McGrath said the Department of Agriculture (DAFM) needs a more efficient payments system.
Forestry
TD Mattie McGrath has said that the forestry figures published by the DAFM for 2023 highlights 'ministerial incompetence'
The ICMSA has called for government intervention on the ongoing VAT issue for unregistered farmers, following a meeting with Revenue
The Rural Independent Group of TDs has hit out at a government decision to reduce speed limits on the country's roads.
Dairy
European Commissioner for Environment, Virginijus Sinkevičius has confirmed that Ireland's nitrate reduction must be on schedule
The Rural Independent Group leader is calling on the Taoiseach to secure a two-year extension for Ireland's nitrates derogation.
The Rural TDs group has acknowledged the recent one-week extension to the slurry spreading deadline but added that it is "insufficient".
Independent TD, Deputy Mattie McGrath has accused Minister Charlie McConalogue of "undermining farmers' progress".
The Independent TD for Kerry Michael Healy-Rae claims the government has "failed Irish farmers" over the nitrates derogation decision.
Concerns have been raised that the 5% concrete levy coming into effect on September 1 will "exacerbate the challenges faced by farmers".
The response of Minister Charlie McConalogue towards deer management in Ireland is 'ridiculous', according to Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath.
The livelihoods of individuals and long-term sustainability of the sheep sector is "at stake", according to Mattie McGrath.
A TD has told the Dáil that "cows' days are numbered" due to what he said is the "diminishing role" of agriculture in EU policy.
The Rural Independent TDs called for the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to examine energy companies' pricing practices.
