English thanks emergency services, local Councils and most importantly community spirit and human kindness

Monday, 5th March 2018

As the thaw well and truly sets in, and normal life begins to return
for the majority of our people, it would be wrong not to reflect on
the week gone by and thank those who did so much locally and
nationally during the most raw demonstration of nature’s power in our
generation.

I want to acknowledge and thank the exceptional work of local
emergency services like An Garda, Fire Services, Defence Forces and
Reserve Defence Forces, Ambulance and Hospital staff last week. i also
want to thank Meath and Westmeath County Councils – their staff, elected members and
contractors, and all of those who kept our roads open when safe to do
so, and who kept water and power supplies going or helped to restore
them if lost. As a once in a generation event Storm Emma really pushed
the resources of the State nationally and locally, and as a result so
many local people, especially our local farming community stepped into
the breach to our offer their expertise, experience and community
spirit in clearing local roads and local estates.

Community groups like Meath River Rescue joined the Civil Defence, Order of Malta, Red Cross, Gardai and many others in delivering emergency workers, carers and
home helps safely to work, and helping meals and wheels and other vital services to do their work with the oldest and most vulnerable in our society.

Local media  like LMFM, Midlands Radio, the Meath Chronicle and Westmeath Examiner online, and Social Media platforms were all crucial in keeping people informed.

As a member of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group I saw how the work of our emergency services, communities and media nationwide was equally exceptional. I also saw first hand the quality of the research and modelling done by Met Eireaann, who are second to none in Europe. Their early warnings early last week gave people time to organise supplies and make all necessary preparations.  We thank them for that too.

The work of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group was mirrored in every County by similar local groups, and Meath and Westmeath County Councils are to be congratulated for their leadership and team work of this group locally along with all the members groups and agencies.

The danger with saying thanks is that someone is left out, but that
never happens on purpose.  The gratitude of Meath West and the whole
country goes out to those who went above beyond the call of duty last
week, and put themselves in harm’s way in helping their community and
country.

Please continue to use common sense during the thaw and heed the
warnings on local media. Please watch out for potential flooding on
our roads and continue to stay safe.

ENDS

English urges Meath farmers and public to be part of CAP 2020 Consultation Process

Thursday, 25th January 2018

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD,
has announced his intention to launch a public consultation process on
the future of the CAP post 2020, and local Meath West Fine Gael T.D.
and Minister, Damien English, has urged all Meath farmers snd
interested members of the public to get involved and have their say.
Minister English noted that the Agri Food sector in Meath is worth
nearly half a Billion Euro to the local and national economy, and its
future must be safe guarded, especially in a post BREXIT European
Union.

A consultation meeting will take place in the Newgrange Hotel on
Tuesday, 13th February, which will be attended by Ministers Creed and
English, and Meath farmers are urged to attend that night between 8pm
and 10pm and have their say on the future of CAP. There will be public
meetings like Navan in other parts of the country also during February
2018.

The public meetings are part of a wider consultation process which
will be open for an eight week period from Friday 26th January 2018 to
Friday 23rd March 2018.

This consultation comes against the background of the launch of the
European Commission’s Communication on the future of food and farming
last November 2017. With legislative proposals underpinning the future
CAP expected in June 2018, Irish citizens and farmers will now have an
opportunity to have an input.

Written submissions should be sent by email to
cap_post2020@agriculture.gov.ie or by post to EU Division, Department
of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Floor 6 Centre, Agriculture
House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 marked “Submission on CAP post 2020”.
The deadline for receipt of submissions is 23rd March 2018.

A consultation document and blank submission form will be available on
the Department’s website [from the 26th January 2018] at the following
address:-

https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/

They will also be available on request from EU Division, telephone
number 01 6072183 or email to cap_post2020@agriculture.gov.ie

ENDS

English welcomes extension to closing date for submission of 2017 Nitrates Derogation Applications

Thursday, 16th March 2016

Local Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal and Fine Gael T.D. for
Meath West, Damien English, has welcomed the news that the Department
of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has this week announced an
extension to the closing date for submission of 2017 Nitrates
Derogation applications.

Minister English said: “The decision to extend the closing date to
Thursday 13th April 2017 was taken in light of the significant
interest in new Derogation applications. I welcome this extra time for
farmers in Meath West.”

Nitrates Derogation applications can only be submitted online using
the Department’s on-line facilities. Farmers not already registered
for agfood.ie can do so by logging onto www.agfood.ie and clicking the
‘Register’ button.

The Nitrates Derogation documentation is available on the Department’s
website at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ruralenvironment/environmentalobligations/nitrates/nitratesderogation/2017derogationforms/

ENDS

Minister English seeks clarity from Agriculture Minister on GLAS payments

Local Fine Gael T.D. for Meath West and Minister for Housing and Urban
Renewal Damien English has recently raised the issue of GLAS payments
with the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed T.D.  He stressed the
importance of prompt payments to farmers as vital source of business
cashflow and for future planning.  He also stressed the need for any
outstanding issues to be clarified as quickly and efficiently as
possible, and that the end customer, the farmer, should not be
penalised or delayed for issues that are outside of his or her
control, like capacity in the Department.

Minister English has been advised of the following position by
Minister Creed, and felt it important to share with local media and
the local farming community:

The 2016 GLAS payments underway since December 2016 represent the
first full year payment schedule under the GLAS scheme.  To date
27,400 of the 37,500 participants in the scheme have received 85% of
their payment totalling almost €100 million.

Minister Creed is keen to provide clarity to farmers awaiting payment
at this stage. Furthermore, in order to ensure outstanding payments
are issued without delay, all resources from an I.T. and
administrative perspective are being directed towards resolving the
outstanding issues.

All GLAS applications must pass regulatory controls and validations as
is this the case with all EU co-funded schemes.  The outstanding cases
relate to applications that did not pass these checks and in the
majority of cases is due to a query on a selected GLAS action or a
land parcel on their holding.  All of these cases must be reviewed on
a case by case basis to determine if the actions involved should be
removed from the scheme or allowed to proceed to payment.

Examples of issues leading to delayed payments are as follows:

Declaration of an incompatible parcel usage for GLAS action chosen
Changes in parcel boundaries on which a GLAS action is chosen
including splitting or merging of parcels
An applicant no longer claiming parcel on BPS 2016
Incomplete documentation such as incorrect information on Low-Emission
Slurry declaration
Incomplete interim commonage management plans
Incompatible data and parcel history on Department databases

It is not yet possible to provide a definitive timeframe for the
completion of payments due to the individual nature of the outstanding
issues, however every effort is being made to process all payments as
quickly as possible.  The Minister understands and regrets the
difficulty this uncertainty will cause for farmers involved and is
being updated on a continuous basis by his officials on progress.  A
further payment run is due this week and it is expected that over
1,000 payments will issue. Further payment runs will be made on a
weekly basis as cases are cleared.  The Minister is satisfied that
every effort possible is being made to complete this process as
quickly as possible.

€65,500 for Meath and Westmeath’s Animal Welfare Organisations – English

Tuesday, 20th December 2016

Damien English, Meath West TD and Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, has welcomed funding awards of €65,500 for 11 Meath and Westmeath based animal welfare organisations.  These local organisations provide a vital service throughout the 2 Counties in protecting animal welfare. The organisations that will benefit from the Government announcement are listed in the table below.

The payments will be made with immediate effect.

Minister English stated: “These local organisations contribute greatly to protecting animals in Meath and Westmeath, by providing sanctuary for in many instances surrendered, abandoned and at risk animals and the funding being awarded is evidence of Fine Gael in Government’s on-going commitment in the area of animal welfare and is a recognition of the important role played by these organisations in safeguarding animals particularly pet and companion animals.”

He continued: “I join with my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in acknowledging the work of the welfare organisations and take this opportunity to thank their staff and volunteers, especially at this Christmas and New Year period when many of them will have to work especially hard.”

Just over €31m paid to Meath farmers under 2016 Basic Payment Scheme – English

Monday, 24th October 2016

Fine Gael T.D. for Meath West and local Minister Damien English T.D.
has confirmed that just over €31 million has been paid out to farmers
in Co. Meath under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme.

“The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, has confirmed to me
that €31,098,025 has been paid out to farmers in Meath under the 2016
Basic Payment Scheme. Nationally, payments worth over €714 million
began issuing to in excess of 109,000 farmers last week.

“The Department has received 3,959 applications from Meath farmers
under the Basic Payment Scheme, with 3,354 paid out so far to the tune
of €31,098,025.

“In times of price volatility for farmers, it is crucial that these
payments are issued in the most efficient way possible to farmers here
in Meath who so depend on them. Minister Creed has prioritised the
delivery of these payments at the earliest possible date allowable
under EU legislation and it is good to note also that with the move to
full online application by 2018, the Department of Agriculture will be
able to introduce further efficiencies into the processing of
payments. This will make life a lot easier for farmers here in Meath.

“Minister Creed also confirmed that payments to farmers under the
Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme also continue to issue as
cases are confirmed for payment. Under the ANC Scheme, €177 million
has now issued to some 82,000 farmers since payments commenced on 20th
September. The advance BPS payment and the ANC payments taken together
mean that over €890M has now issued to Irish farmers in the last
month. Payments under the Young Farmers Scheme and the coupled Protein
Aid will commence in December 2016.

“Advance payments will continue issuing regularly until late November,
with balancing payments to issue from the 1st of December.  Any farmer
with a question in relation to their BPS or ANC payments, can contact
the Department at 076 106 4420. This helpline is running extended
hours- from 17th October to 29th October, farmers can ring the
Department between 9am and 8.30pm on weekdays and from 9am to 1pm on
Saturdays. I encourage any Meath farmer with a query about their
payment to contact this helpline, which is of great support to farm
families around the country.”

ENDS

National Ploughing Championships 2016

At the National Ploughing Championships today in Tullamore to launch a €100k prize for innovative designs for housing for older people.  Great to meet many exhibitors, participants and visitors from Meath and beyond, and from the farming sector and outside of it too.  This a really great national gathering not just for rural dwellers and the agri-sector but for all Irish people.

For more pictures check out my Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/damien.english.10

Or on my Twitter feed:

@Damien_English

 

Basic Farm Payments of almost €44.5m supporting farmers in Meath – English

Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation and Fine Gael TD for Meath West, Damien English, has said that Basic Farm Payments of almost €44.5 million paid so far in 2015, are supporting Meath farmers.

“In Meath, 3,483 farmers have received Basic Farm Payments so far in 2015, making up 95.9% of payments. In 2016, €1.2 billion in direct funding will be made available from the EU to fund the Basic Payment Scheme nationally.

“This money is essential to support agriculture and farming families in Meath. Basic Farm Payments are also key to supporting the local economy as farmers can spend this money with local suppliers and in small businesses.

“The food industry in Ireland is worth €26 billion and directly employs 170,000 people. Farmers are at the centre of this and it is essential that we offer every support possible.  For two successive budgets farming agri-taxation measures have played a central part in the Budget.

“Major new initiatives on ‘Family Transfer Partnerships’ have been introduced to assist in the transfer of land. We have also renewed relief measures on general stock income tax; for young trained farmers and registered farm partnerships. Stamp duty exemptions have been maintained on transfers of land to young trained farmers. This Government has also increased the tax free threshold for Capital Acquisitions Tax by about one quarter from €225,000 to €280,000.

“Changes made to the taxation of the self-employed will impact on most farmers who will benefit from the new €550 tax credit and reduced USC rates. These changes will mean over €800 in additional net income.

“In 2016, €494 million has been ring-fenced for the Rural Development Programme, a 12% increase; €195 million for Areas of Natural Constraint (ANCs); €35.8 million for TAMS, €52 million for the Beef Data Genomics Programme and €203 million for Agri–Environment Schemes including GLAS, AEOS  and ORGANICS.

“This Government has prioritised agriculture and makes no apology for that. The agri-food sector has been essential in driving the recovery and is playing a major role as we work to keep the recovery going in Meath and in all parts of the country.”

Minister English welcomes 2nd phase of GLAS scheme

Local Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation and Meath West Fine Gael T.D. Damien English has welcomed the launch this week of the second tranche of GLAS, the new agri-environmental scheme which replaces REPS and AEOS.

The first tranche of GLAS, which closed on 26 May this year, proved a huge success, attracting almost 27,000 applications. The second tranche will increase this to at least 35,000 and up to 40,000. The overall target for GLAS is to attract 50,000 farmers into the new scheme over its lifetime and Minister English commented that it was clear that GLAS was well on its way to meeting that target.

For the second tranche of GLAS, a number of adjustments to the available actions are being made, and farmers and their advisors are urged to familiarise themselves with them.

Minister English commented: “The Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney T.D. has announced that he is publishing the Terms and Conditions for the second Tranche of GLAS immediately, along with the detailed Specification for Tranche 2 actions.  Farmers and their advisors in Meath West should read these carefully.  The live system for applications will then be opened will remain open for some six weeks. I urge Meath and Westmeath farmers to apply. As I have often said before the export value of Agricultural products is worth €493.8m to Meath and €216m to Westmeath. Agriculture is a huge industry locally & it supports thousands of direct & indirect jobs locally. GLAS and other iniatives from this Government help and support this important work by local farmers.”

Minister English officially welcomes Regional Action Plan for Jobs Forum to Navan

Minister English, Minister Bruton and Tom Hayes Enterprise Ireland Divisional Manager Regions and Micro Enterprises at the Mid East APJ Stakeholder Forum held in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan

This morning the Ardboyne Hotel in Navan plays host to the Action Plan for Jobs Mid East Stakeholder Forum which will help to formulate and develop a Regional Action Plan to build on the existing strengths and opportunities within the Meath, Kildare and Wicklow Region. Local Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation was on hand to officially welcome business people, policy makers and fellow politicians to his hometown.

“Meath is linked with the Dublin Region but we are also a County of many unique strengths and talents in our own right. We are ideally located to interact and engage not just with Dublin, but with a number of other regions particularly the Border, Midlands and South East” Minister English told the gathering this morning.

“This Mid East region including Meath now has an unemployment rate of 8.7% which is second only to Dublin amongst all the regions and well below the national figure of 9.8%. This represents a very significant achievement when one considers that in 2012, when the Action Plan for jobs was first launched, the unemployment rate for the region stood at close to 14%. However we need to continue to build on this progress” Minister English said.

“Meath’s connectivity with all regions represents a particular strength that we should seek to build upon. We have a strong diversified enterprise mix with a range of outstanding forward thinking companies and businesses operating across a range of different sectors. Meath Enterprise and Meath County Council’s vision of a Boyne Valley Food Hub as a centre of national and internationally innovation excellence in food is another example of the forward thinking vision of Meath people, which was again highlighted today” Minister English said.

We have a large highly skilled and well-educated workforce. We have a strong ETB aligned to local needs, and a new stand alone Dunboyne Post Leaving Cert. College, with good access to a wide variety of other Higher Education Institutes in surrounding regions. We also have wonderful cultural, heritage and tourist assets that are world-renowned. These are just some of the assets and strengths we possess in the region and no doubt more will be identified during the course of this morning’s Forum. The challenge today is to identify how we can capitalise on all of these strengths. But it is a challenge I know the local business community, local educators and local policy makers are well able for” stated the local Minister.

“Nationally, in the forthcoming Budget, and in future Budgets, and also through the new Capital plan 2016-2021 we will be supporting and rewarding work and enterprise through reducing the burden of tax and reforming our public spending so it best serves the consumer” concluded Minister English.