Archive for the 'Food news' Category

DOING THE ROUNDS IN SKERRIES – JUNE 2010

Published 16 June, 2010 Allotments , Community , Fingal news , Grow Your Own Food , Skerries Leave a Comment
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Knowing many people in Skerries as I do, made  visiting around Shenick, Townparks, Churchfields, Sherlock and Kelly’s Bay an interesting experience. It was made all the more enjoyable by the good weather and the great company, thanks to Diarmuid, Rita, Jim, Brian, Don and Paul.

Being  in Skerries visiting different estates coincided with the publication of the historic 2008 EPA Quality of Bathing Water Report. Naturally as a ‘new’ report it was read as if it was up to date even though the news in it is two years out of date. However Skerries’ bathing water was described as having a ‘sufficiently high standard’. Since then work has taken place to improve standards. Apart from a new local sewage treatment plant serving both Skerries and Balbriggan, the Council is now embarked on a Colombo-esque mission to locate and terminate any rogue discharges of rainwater in to the sewerage system. These misconnections, as they are called by the engineers, become a real problem when downpours occur. They swell the volume of sewage in the system, the teatment plant overflows and raw diluted sewage gets discharged as it has nowhere else to go. So downpours keep people off the beach but they also result in the pollution which was detected by the EPA. The forecast of good weather and the ending of these misconnections will I believe give us cleaner results in the next EPA report. That being said between 2003 and 2008 Skerries had a ‘sufficiently good standard’. The poor year was 2004, but we hope for very good results from now on.

On the other hand, some issues raised by residents were quite individual and personal. For example, adoption procedures, requests for help in finding summer work or more permanent work as well as specific grievances when dealing with state agencies were all raised.

Government policies with regard to financial resources against the background of needing to borrow about €55 million each day to ensure current expenditure and wage cheques do not bounce were important to discuss. There is a very fine balance to be struck between pruning the ‘tree of state’ to ensure it grows back healthy and fruitful or going beyond that point. I pray that heeding wise council on the doors and from expert economists will ensure we get the balance right. The reason for the tough measures is to bring this country to a healthy state of sustainable, fair and entrepreneurial social and economic activity. Meanwhile the full rigours of the law had better deal with those who recklessly abandoned good banking practises which have led us to where we are as a country and which is causing so much pain and distress to so many households at present. The Green Party was not in Government when these problems were caused but we are now having to clean up the mess. It is not easy but it has to be done.

That being said, most of the issues I discussed on the doors related to policies of Fingal County Council. For example a dose of common sense is needed to ensure that kick about areas on open spaces are mown so children can play in safety and not on the roads. In the right places and to protect biodiversity, cutting grass less frequently can be a progressive policy, but not if it forces children to be less active. But as the Beatles (or even beetles) might say ‘we can work it out!’. I have written to Fingal County Council on behalf of several residents who made useful suggestions about various open spaces in and around Skerries.

Many people I spoke with were very happy to hear that about 150 allotments on the Golf Links Road were nearly ready to open. I want to again pay tribute to the Sustainable Skerries team who are an example of the ‘can-do’ community spirit this country needs more of. They have worked on this project  in co-operation with Fingal County Council. Check out their website at www.sustainableskerries.wordpress.com/ for more information. Only for people like Mary Marsden and the Sustainable Skerries team, the Council would have not had the resources to proceed. Skerries owes a huge debt of gratitude to the enormous voluntary effort and ingenuity which has gone in to getting the project over the line. I am now meeting other people in Kellys’ Bay who want to establish allotments in the vicinity of the Ballast Pit. The interest in Grow It Yourself activities is definitely growing and I encourage it in every way I can. A number of Skerries GIY enthusiasts were good enough to drop in to my own kitchen garden recently as the photographs below record.

Photos taken by C.Finn:

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HELPING 14 IRISH ORGANIC COMPANIES WIN BUSINESS IN GERMANY BECOMES TREVOR SARGENT’S FINAL OFFICIAL FUNCTION AS MINISTER FOR FOOD AND HORTICULTURE

Published 25 February, 2010 Community , Fingal news , Horticulture , International , Organics , food Closed

Speaking following his return from Biofach, the world’s largest organic trade fair, in Nuremberg, Trevor Sargent intended reporting immediately on this trade mission. However the media story about a court case and  the subsequent realisation that he had ‘over-helped’ a constituent by writing to An Garda Síochána once proceedings had begun has resulted in resignation as Minister for Food and Horticulture. The Bord Bia trade mission to the world’s largest organic trade fair in Germany was his last official function.

In reporting on Biofach 2010, the former Minister for Food and Horticulture now states:

‘Before reflecting on the success of Biofach for 14 of the top Irish organic food companies, I want to thank my former Private Secretary and my Ministerial Office Staff in Agriculture House as well as my Constituency Office Staff and Drivers for their professional support and friendship since my appointment as Minister of State in June 2007. My love and enthusiasm for the objectives which my Ministry strived (and in several ways succeeded) in achieving continue as priorities for me regardless of political mandates.

I know the Department will  for example, maintain the momentum in developing the organic sector. The ‘good practise’ standard I introduced for farmers’ markets is being won by more and more markets countrywide. Local authorities and shopkeepers are seeing the benefits of weekly markets for local producers which increase footfall and develop community spirit. The pig feed problem was an example of good team work in the Department and I was glad to play my part in restoring the good name of Irish food and farming worldwide. The longer term work continues such as helping Agri Aware and Bord Bia with the vegetable and fruit growing challenges in schools. Also the Food Dudes programme is very popular. This healthy food awareness project is another example of cross Departmental priorities. The Obesity Report recommendations still need to be implemented in full. I began this work as a Minister working in both Health and Agriculture Departments. I hope my successor can hit the ground running and continue this work.

Biofach, the world organic trade fair held in Nuremberg, is in its 21st year. It is the second year Bord Bia has had an Irish stand among the 130 or so other countries represented. In 2009, I also attended Biofach along with 46,771 trade visitors who came to see and do business with some of the  2,734 exhibitors.

Germany is Ireland’s second most important food and drink market on Continental Europe (after France) with Irish exports valued at 313.5 million euro. The total organic sales in Germany have grown 10% in a year (2007-2008) and are worth 5.8 BILLION  euro. In Britain, total organic sales are worth 2.1 BILLION euro. These are sadly booming markets which Irish farmers to date have paid scant regard to, except for the visionary few.

It was an honour to represent Ireland and to be of assistance to Bord Bia and the 14 Irish organic companies maintaining  and growing their export businesses in Germany and beyond.

What I take from Biofach however is a very salient lesson for Irish agriculture in general. The Irish organic salmon producers have a vibrant and growing export business to Germany worth 20 million euro. Ireland’s largest organic export to Germany is therefore salmon. However seafood is only 5% of Ireland’s overall exports to Germany. 39% is dairy (Kerrygold butter in large part), 24% is prepared foods, 16% is beef, 6% pigmeat, 6% drink, 2% poultry, 1% horticulture and 1% sheepmeat.

5% may seem like a small part of overall exports to Germany but for Ireland without a long track record in organic salmon rearing to be carving out a market against the huge salmon producing countries like Norway and Chile is a phenomenon worth analysing. The key point is Irish salmon producers used their brains (helped no doubt by eating salmon!).

If Norway and Chile have the trump cards in terms of history and economy of scale in producing cheap and cheerful farmed fish, then Ireland needs to develop differently and play to our strengths. Organic certification gives us a price premium in a fast growing market for organic food in Germany as elsewhere. Our guaranteed organic status in salmon also gets a market bounce as it comes from the clean, green Emerald Isle, washed by frequent rain and an unpolluted Atlantic Ocean.

Our beef sales in Germany are under pressure. The Germans happen to like Argentinian beef. However the Argentinian beef is plentiful but not often certified as organic. Ireland has an open goal to score with organic land based produce in the way it successfully scores with organically certified seafood.

However the message is to some extent getting through. Since 2007 Irish organic food production is up 10%. That being said, Irish retail demand for organic produce is up 40% in the same period. If Irish farming and food production is to maximise its potential, more  producers need to become certified as organic. I am going through this conversion as a back garden grower myself. However it is producers of every size which are needed. Now is the time. One of my last ‘wins’ in the job was to have the Organic Farming Scheme and Grant Aid Schemes re-launched in spite of budgetary cutbacks. Forms are now available from the Organic Unit, Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at Johnstown Castle in Wexford, or log on at www.agriculture.gov.ie/organics.  Resources are limited however so the sooner one applies the better. The deadline is 15 May 2010.

Possible Closure of Teagasc Kinsealy

Published 11 February, 2010 Horticulture , Kinsealy Closed
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11 February 2010

Re: Possible Closure of Kinsealy Research Centre

Minister Sargent has not sanctioned the closure of the Teagasc Research facility at Kinsealy nor has the Government made any decision to close the facility. The future of the Kinsealy centre is a matter for Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority.  Under the Act establishing Teagasc, the Agriculture, (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education, advisory and training services to the agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act and the Minister does not interfere in the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.

It is understood that the Teagasc Authority recently agreed a change programme (Change Programme 2009 –2013: The Next Steps) for the organisation. It is also understand that the Change Programme will include a new plan for the development of Teagasc’s horticultural services.

Minister Sargent recognises the importance of the horticulture sector in Ireland and continues to act in the best interests of farmers and the sector in general. The Minister has just announced details of the third round of the grant aid scheme for the development of the horticulture sector under the National Development Plan (2007-2013). The scheme will fund projects in commercial horticultural production carried out during 2010. Aid is available at 40% (50% in the case of young farmers) of total eligible capital investment.  The scheme covers all horticultural sectors – protected crops, nursery crops, field vegetables, soft fruit, apples, beekeeping and in limited circumstances mushrooms – and is aimed at assisting growers to efficiently produce high quality products in what is now a very competitive market.

Minister Sargent at the Launch of North Meath Grow-It-Yourself

Published 26 January, 2010 Grow Your Own Food Closed
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26 January 2010

Minister Sargent was on hand for the inaugural meeting of Grow It Yourself in Ballinlough, Meath last night. Speaking to a packed hall, Minister Sargent said that he was “delighted to see so many people interested in taking action, moving towards self-sufficiency and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.”

Sargent Relaunches Organic Farming Scheme

Published 6 January, 2010 Organics Closed
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6 January 2010

Mr Trevor Sargent TD, Minister of Horticulture & Food at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, today announced that, with immediate effect, farmers can once again apply for support under the Organic Farming Scheme and for grants under both the On-Farm and Off-Farm Schemes for the Development of the Organic Sector. The Minister said that despite the budgetary constraints the funding available remains adequate to ensure that the Programme for Government target to convert a minimum 5% of acreage to organic farmland by 2012 can re realised.

The Organic Farming Scheme is an agri-environment measure under the Department’s Rural Development Programme 2007-13.  Farmers may enter into a contract for a minimum of five years and could qualify for yearly payments of up to €283 per hectare during the conversion period and up to €142 per hectare when they have achieved full organic status.  Following a review of the Scheme during 2009, applicants will now be required to submit a business plan and, if they have not previously taken part in the Organic Supplementary Measure in REPS, to undertake an approved training course.  “At a time when funds are limited and we have to ensure value for money,” Minister Sargent said, “these changes in the Scheme are designed to ensure that the farmers joining it are those who have most to offer to the growth of the organic sector so that it can meet the increasing demand from consumers for organic produce.” In that context, the Minister said that the closing date for applications will be 15 May 2010 and that decisions would be made at that stage on the level of funding and on the number of applicants that will be accepted into the scheme.

The Grant Schemes, which support investment by both producers and processors, had been a major success since their launch in 2007. They were closed temporarily in mid-2009 because applications on hand at that point were enough to use up the funding provided for the year. There had been a significant increase in interest in the scheme and a substantial increase in the number of applications and the amount of aid paid over the past number of years. The number of successful applications increased from 82 in 2007 to 123 in 2009, an increase of 50%, while expenditure under the schemes went from €594,000 in 2007 to €1.5 million in 2009, an increase of over 150%. The on-farm scheme provides grant aid of 40% of the cost up to a maximum grant of €60,000.  For off-farm investments, the maximum grant is €500,000.

“I am committed to developing the organic sector as an opportunity for Irish farmers and the Irish agri-food sector in general.  I believe these Schemes are important initiatives in this development and I delighted to announce their relaunch,” he said.  “I know that there are a number of organic farmers and processors who are ready to make significant investments as soon as grants are available and I would encourage them to start applying now.”

Copies of the relaunched Organic Farming Scheme and Grant Aid Schemes, together with application forms, will be available from the Organic Unit, Department of Agriculture and Food, which is based at Johnstown Castle in Wexford, within the next few days.  They will also be available on the Department’s organics page at www.agriculture.gov.ie/organics.

GOOD INTEREST IN GREEN ALLOTMENT SURVEY WHILE DOING THE ROUNDS IN SKERRIES – SECOND WEEK IN DECEMBER 2009

Published 9 December, 2009 Allotments , Farmers markets , Skerries Closed
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Minister Trevor Sargent as a Dublin North TD was doing his rounds mainly in Skerries over  the  weekend.  Many issues were discussed on the doors including the long awaited construction of a proper path across the Ballast Pit, electrification of the railway for an extended DART service, the Farmers’ Market in the Mills each Saturday 10am – 4pm, allotment demand in Skerries, home energy grants and the ways to replace jobs lost like those at SR Technics. Reporting on his rounds in Skerries, Minister Sargent said:

Martin Tobin, General Manager of ERP with Green Party Minister Sargent at the free WEEE recycling day in Skerries

“Weather cold but dry. No wind so ideal for walking and talking. In the times available, we got to Kelly’s Bay, Selskar, Downside, Hillside Gardens and Skerries Rock. Thanks to Diarmuid, Brian, Don, Paul, George and Ciarán for turning out as well. As we say ‘as Gaeilge’, ‘giorrann beirt bóthar’ (two people shorten a road), so a few Green colleagues together helping out makes time fly.

Some exceptional and very friendly people live in Kelly’s Bay. One such person in Lynette Kelly who is busy with her own family as well as her own floral design business www.littledaisy.net or call 086 3809 172. Notwithstanding all that, Lynette is keen to help those suffering at present as a result of devastating floods in Ireland during November. The Red Cross has now a store of clothing etc. but needs financial assistance www.redcross.ie. Meanwhile I spoke with Mr Willi Ruiter, a farmer near Ashbourne who is another compassionate citizen. Willi has been co-ordinating animal fodder assistance for farms in places like Ballinasloe where floods have been devastating.

I have decided to fundraise for relief of flood victims having been inspired by people like Lynette and Willi. I am starting with the proceeds of the annual raffle I host at the Dail dinner next Monday, 14th December 2009 at 6.30pm. Phone my office 01 8900360 for details.

Other issues raised in Selskar were the prospect of GAA supporters and players being stung for a parking charge along the road beside the Harps GAA juvenile pitch. I am working with the Council to have a concession in this case.

Another related Council matter is the roar of road noise for residents caused by the corrugated concrete road surface which may be resurfaced in future. I’m checking this out.

I met many fellow rail commuters who are also aggrieved by the disimproved new timetable. I’m working on this with Iarnród Éireann management as I am with the Council to have desire lines (where mud tracks have been worn) paved for those walking from Hillside Gardens to and from the station.

Below on this website is a pie chart giving the results of our Skerries Allotment Survey. A number of possible sites proved popular. One earmarked site is behind Hillside Gardens off the Golf Links Road. This is seen by senior officials in the Council as better draining and less prone to vandalism than the more central Skerries Mills, while still being within walking distance for many Skerries allotment enthusiasts. Your views on this latest position or any other thoughts are still welcome perhaps by logging on to www.trevorskitchengarden.ie where you can also leave comments.

People in Skerries Rock are wondering who asked for a sign to be erected on the footpath opposite their estate entrance. The sign tells people exiting Skerries Rock that they should turn right if they are they are going to …. (wait for it) … Skerries! The sign also says go left for Balbriggan! Monty Python would be proud of a sketch explaining the logic of that initiative. Moreover, the sign now impedes those pushing buggies. Meanwhile NO footpath exists on the opposite side of the road for a dangerous few metres where people living in Skerries Rock have to continue walking on the road or risk crossing the road to find another path …. before they are blocked by the famous sign!  Discussions with colleagues in the Council are planned shortly to get  the missing footpath built first of all.

I have been enquiring about the Supervalu planning application F09/0580 which is greatly upsetting the school community of St. Patrick’s Junior NS amongst many people. I have spoken with Fingal Planning Department about this and feel a less dense development with some community gain, such as sheltered housing, might represent good development but the current proposal is not acceptable.

Quite a number of homes I called to had been affected by unemployment. Some had depended on SR Technics, the Swiss company at Dublin Airport. The fall out from their exodus from Ireland continues with unresolved pension issues and the quest for alternative employment in aviation with Dublin Aerospace etc.

In the face of despair, it was inspiring to meet the bold and the brave embarking on new ventures such as the stallholders at Skerries Farmers’ Market. Apart from the expected diversity of fresh and cooked produce, preserves and ready to eat foods, I was impressed to also meet Anna Maria Brady who was taking orders for exotic delicious Indian dishes made to order for dining at home. I tasted the samples and was most impressed. I have since ordered a meal as I love Indian cuisine. You can contact Anna Maria of ‘Padayachees Curry Delights’ in Skerries by phoning 087 685 44 18. Please give one day’s notice as everything is cooked fresh.”

Skerries Allotment Survey – the Results

Published 2 December, 2009 Allotments , Grow Your Own Food , Skerries Closed
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3 November 2009

Last September we invited you to tell us where you think is the best location for allotments in Skerries. The response has been terrific; a big “Thank You” to all those who logged on here and took part in the online survey. We’ve closed the survey now and here’s a summary of the results.

Skerries Mills emerged as the most favoured location, with 24% of the votes with Milverton coming a close second with 20%. (The chart only shows locations that received multiple votes.)

A lot of other locations were suggested and some of you went to a lot of trouble listing various alternatives and what you thought of them. Every submission was read with interest. Again, Thanks!

For the record 84% of respondents said they live less than 5 Kms (3 miles) from the centre of Skerries.

Grow It Yourself comes to Swords

Published 2 December, 2009 Grow Your Own Food , Swords Closed

INTERESTED IN GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD IN SWORDS?

Inaugural Swords GIY Meeting on Thursday 10th December in Scoil an Duinnínigh, Feltrim Road

The Grow It Yourself movement comes to Swords! GIY networks aim to take the ‘self’ out of ‘self-sufficiency’ by getting back-garden growers together on a regular basis to talk, learn from each other and exchange tips. The meetings are free and open to people interested in growing at all levels, i.e. from growing a few herbs on a balcony to complete self-sufficiency, from beginners to old hands. Hundreds of people are involved in existing GIY groups around Ireland. Last week, for example, 60 people attended a very successful launch of GIY Balbriggan.

The first such meeting in Swords will be on Thursday 10th December in Scoil an Duinnínigh, Feltrim Road. Food & Horticulture Minister Trevor Sargent will be in attendance as well as Michael Kelly founder of the ‘Grow it Yourself’ movement and local man Mick Kelly who will be facilitating the meeting.

All of those interested are welcome to come along to Scoil an Duinnínigh on the Feltrim Road, opposite The Kinsealy Inn, at 7pm.

EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND ENVIRONMENT THE THREE MAIN ISSUES RAISED ON MY ROUNDS IN SWORDS

Published 1 December, 2009 Grow Your Own Food , Swords Closed

The weather in Swords at times I was doing my rounds with Ken, Etáin, Ciarán, Don and Paul was cold but dry with clear skies on the last weekend of November 2009. In spite of economic pressures, I have insisted in Government that the Metro plans to serve Swords via Dublin Airport remain on track. There are strong economic, social and environmental reasons to put this infrastucture in place as early as possible. The unfounded rumours forecasting no Metro  have to be scotched. This was a key reason to go door to door apart from the enjoyment of meeting people and stretching the legs.

I also wanted to tell the people of Swords about the new Grow It Yourself Swords group being established on Thursday next 10th December at 7pm in Scoil an Duinnínigh, opposite the Kinsealy Inn. The main driver behind this is local man Mick Kelly at giyswords@gmail.com or phone 086-8401456. Thank goodness for people like Mick who are prepared to help our communities become empowered and more self-reliant. I’m looking forward to seeing a good attendance.  The GIY Balbriggan organized by Sean Corrigan was packed out.

Met other local heroes too. Joan Hunt in the St. Columba’s area was recognised as Citizen of the Year by Fingal County Council for her Trojan work as a Tidy Town activist. There we met her again in her garden, hedge clippers in hand. Likewise in Park View, Fergus Hoare, the Chairperson of the Residents’ Association outlined the range of activities going on. Some needing help like Neighbourhood Watch, others are already sorted like the Santa Party!

A request from Abbeyvale householders for a hedge overgrowing a footpath to be cut back was passed to the Council who responded within a couple of days, fair play to Fingal County Council.

The main concern of people in Abbeyvale was education and the concerns of young people. Last week in Leinster House, I had met with Mr. Paul Rowe, CEO of Educate Together and his colleagues to discuss the merits of establishing secondary schools under ‘educate together’ patronage. The Green Party Education Spokesperson, Paul Gogarty TD and myself are very supportive of this proposal in Government. Coincidentally, a householder in Abbeyvale raised the need for an Educate Together Secondary School in the area last weekend also. This will add some leverage to the Green Party’s campaign to have such a school established as a matter of urgency.

Extra-curricular activities such as karate and a whole range of activities which could take place at a new Brackenstown Community Centre also came up in conversation. I’ll write  again to the County Manager to give the plans for a community centre here an extra push. I found many community minded people living in the Berwick, Park View, Abbeyvale and St Columba’s areas. One person wanted the footpath towards Swords village down to St Cronan’s Nation School relaid. The tarmac is uneven and floods, or ‘ponds’ as they say in the Council. This lady said it was like ‘Beirut’. I have not yet visited Beirut so I’ll have to take her word for it! Whatever the case I’ll add my voice to her call on the Council for a properly lit new path, by way of another letter to the Roads Department in the Council.

The call for a ’No Shooting the Wildlife’ sign at the Broadmeadow Estuary has to be pursued nationally with the Parks and Wildlife Service. In contrast to pleas to fix the economy and provide lots of jobs locally, the call for a public sign should be relatively easy to sort. (Famous last words!)

The loss of employment in so many households is heart rending as I make my rounds. My main way of helping is to help provide information about companies, some of which are expanding, believe it or not!  Dublin Aerospace is providing ex-SRT workers and apprentices with some hope that their skills may earn them a living again, for example. I have been speaking with Fás, with Teagasc and plan to speak again with the County Enterprise Board about providing training and new activities which hopefully will lead to job creation. Some people are saying to me ’a drop in pay is better than no pay’, ‘half a job is better than none’ and ‘ to be busy and meeting people is better than being at home all the time’. This can often depend on the mortgage repayments, I realise! The Money Advice Budgeting service provides valuable help too at times like this.

For those who find themselves with too much time and not much  money, ways to save money and keep the mind and body active are important. This is one of many reasons I believe the Grow It Yourself movement is proving so popular. It is worth taking a look at www.giyireland.com or www.trevorskitchengarden.ie before rushing out to dig up the garden or before planting up containers of soil on the balcony. One way or another, I hope to see you at Mick Kelly’s GIY Swords meeting in Scoil an Duinnínigh at 7pm next Thursday the 10th December 2009, opposite the Kinsealy Inn.

- Sargent Launches Grow It Yourself Balbriggan

Published 20 November, 2009 Balbriggan , Grow Your Own Food Closed

20 November 2009

MINISTER SARGENT LAUNCHES GROW IT YOURSELF BALBRIGGAN

Local TD and Minister for Food and Horticulture, Trevor Sargent, launched a very successful inaugural meeting of ‘Grow it Yourself’ Balbriggan in the Bracken Court Hotel last night. GIY networks aims to encourage home growers to get together on a regular basis to talk, learn from each other and exchange tips. The meetings are free and open to people interested in food at all levels, from beginners to old hands.

The Minister said, ‘The packed attendance at the first meeting of GIY Balbriggan highlights the enormous interest and potential for people with small gardens, or indeed no gardens, to grow some of their own food.’

Michael Kelly, the founder of GIY Ireland, told the large crowd about other GIY groups setting up in every county in Ireland. He also invited people to log on to www.giyireland.com, which will also be the place where people can get news about GIY Balbriggan along with other groups in towns and villages throughout the country.

The Minister continued, ‘I want to particularly thank Seán Corrigan, and his daughters Maeve and Helen, who undertook the organising and stewarding of the meeting. I’m available to help the new steering group in every way as a local TD, enthusiastic vegetable and fruit grower and as Minister for Food and Horticulture.’

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