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 As was expected, Tipperary Fine Gael TD Tom Hayes has this morning been appointed the new Junior Minister to replace the late Shane McEntee in the Department of Agriculture.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny informed his Fine Gael cabinet colleagues of his choice this morning, before informing the entire Cabinet at their weekly meeting. A vacancy had arisen in the Department of Agriculture following the untimely death of Mr Shane McEntee just before Christmas.
Mr Tom Hayes, a beef farmer from Golden, in Co Tipperary, has served as a Senator from 1997 to 2001 and as a Tipperary South TD since his election in a by-election in 2001, will now have special responsibility in the areas of forestry, horticulture, the greyhound industry and food safety.
The popular TD has been the most publicly outspoken public representative from Tipperary, in matters regarding unemployment in the county.
 Tipperary farmers state that they are strongly opposed to any proposals by the National Roads Authority (NRA) to ban the selling of farm produce at the roadside.
These, mostly seasonal, trading stands sell mostly fresh strawberries, apples, jams and new potatoes.
In their latest road strategy, the RSA propose introducing new legislation to totally prohibit what they identify as “High Risk Activities,” on the roadside. This activity includes the selling or marketing of farm produce and localised charitable bucket collections.
The RSA’s latest road safety strategy entitled, ‘Closing the Gap‘ and whose aim is to reduce the number of road deaths in Ireland to 124 each year by 2020, down from 162 fatalities in 2012, is seen as yet another daily attempt by Government to turn this country into a servile Nanny Republic.
Members of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) state that the selling of fresh fruit and vegetables at the roadside was an important income for those farmers involved and same had never, in the past, constituted any safety concern whatsoever with those traders implicated in such activities.
 In a joint public awareness campaign with the Department of the Environment launched this week, the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) have highlighted the responsibility of all dog owners to be in full control of their dogs at all times, in order to prevent attacks on sheep flocks and the resulting horrific consequences.
The IFA has also given a guarded welcome to the yesterday’s decision by the Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to introduce mandatory micro-chipping of all dogs. The IFA state that this move by the Minister has an important role to play in terms of dog ownership responsibility, but insist that same will only be effective if it is matched by a comprehensive National Central Database.
The association has also called on Simon Coveney to ensure that there will be no increase in costs to current dog owners, inviting the Minister therefore to scrap current dog licensing, when micro-chipping is eventually introduced.
This public awareness campaign to prevent attacks on sheep flocks was timed to coincide with the 2013 lambing season. The IFA’s National Sheep Chairman Mr James Murphy has warned; “Farmers are in the middle of the peak lambing season, when sheep flocks are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks, especially during the night, let it be known therefore your dog, therefore your responsibility.”
In a joint nationwide radio advertising campaign, sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Community/Local Government and IFA, there is a very clear and strong message being sent to dog owners regarding their responsibilities, pointing out how dog owners could be held liable, if their dog is involved in an attack on sheep.
Fertility & Breeding Meeting
Centenary Thurles Co-op in conjunction with Dovea Genetics will host a meeting in the Anner Hotel, Thurles on Wednesday 27th March at 8.00p.m. next, to discuss some seasonally important topics relating to efficient Dairy Cow Breeding.
Speakers
Speakers on Wednesday night will include :-
Martin Kavanagh MRCVS: (Well known veterinary surgeon.) Martin will discuss some of the key issues related to farm husbandry, which will improve cow fertility as well as providing advice on vaccination programmes for optimum cow performance.
Dr Ger Ryan: (General Manager of Dovea Genetics.) Ger will give an overview of the Dairy and Beef Sires available from the Dovea Stud, for the forthcoming season.
Joe Kerrigan: (CEO Centenary Thurles Co-Op.) Joe will outline the changes made to the Milk Payment Policy for the 2013/2014 season.
The meeting will conclude with a brief discussion on milk quality.
All are invited to attend for what promises be a very informative meeting, followed by refreshments.
 The economic recovery of the Mid-West Region, will be the main focus of the 18th Annual Mid West Regional Authority (MWRA) Conference, details of which were announced recently. (Note: Latter region consists of the areas of counties Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary, including Limerick city.)
Alan Kelly TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport will officially open the Conference at the Horse & Jockey Hotel, County Tipperary, on Friday, 1st March 2013.
“Economic Recovery – Progress in The Regions,” will feature presentations from business, Government and Local Government leaders on the current state of the Irish economy and how Regions such as the Mid West can play a leading role in its eventual recovery.
Speakers will include Tara McCarthy, Director, Food & Beverages, Bord Bia ( “The role of the agri-food industry in Ireland’s economic recovery.” ), Michael Vaughan, President, Irish Hotels Federation ( “The importance of the Tourism Industry to economic recovery in the Regions.” ), Conor Ryan, CEO, Arrabawn Co-Op ( “The role of the Co-Operative Model in economic recovery.” ), and Niall Cussen, Senior Adviser, Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government ( “The role of Government in Regional Economic Recovery.” ).
Cllr. Gerard Darcy, Cathaoirleach of the Mid-West Regional Authority, explained that the upcoming conference will enable key policy makers and implementation bodies at a local, regional and national level to share their expertise on the progress being made regarding regional economic recovery and how balanced regional economic development can be achieved in the future.
“The event will be attended by industry officials and members of local authorities, public and private sector agencies, semi-state and civil society organisations and research institutions involved in the promotion of business and development in Ireland. It provides a wonderful opportunity for those involved or interested in the economic development of North Tipperary, Limerick and Clare to hear from representatives of the some of the key sectors involved in the Region’s economic development,” he added.
Registration: See Brochure HERE. Fee charged is €100.00 per participant, (Latter includes Official Opening Reception, Conference Papers, Teas, Coffees, & Lunch.)
Registration for the upcoming MWRA Conference takes place on the evening of Thursday, 28th February next.
Details: Further details can be obtained from the Mid-West Regional Authority on Tel: (067) 33197; Email: info@mwra.ie, Web: www.mwra.ie.
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