Large crowds flock to Kilkeel information evening
26 March 2009
A large crowd flocked to Kilkeel last Thursday evening, where Jim Allister MEP was the main speaker at a public information evening. The MEP spoke on a number of key issues affecting farmers and rural dwellers alike, and his ongoing efforts in Brussels on their behalf. Also addressing the audience were representatives from SOAR –the local action group charged with distributing Axis 3 Rural Development funds, Pamela Houston from the Kilkeel Development Association on funding options for businesses, and Northern Ireland Housing Executive officials speaking on grant aid which is available for renovating privately owned homes. Mr Allister closed the meeting by giving a short synopsis of current rural planning policy, and in particular PPS 21. A question and answer session followed, while Cllr Henry Reilly thanked everyone for attending.
Commenting on the meeting, Jim Allister MEP said,
“It was heartening to see such a good turnout at tonight’s meeting, while the speakers proved to be extremely informative. The excellent line-up of expert speakers, and the wide range of topics covered was well received by all in attendance.”
“I was pleased to take the opportunity of updating the farmers in the audience on some key efforts I am making to address the ongoing difficulties within the industry –including pressing the Commission to introduce higher rates of export refunds to help raise milk prices for producers. I expressed my opposition to the mandatory imposition of electronic identification for sheep from 2010 on, and the extra cost burden this will put onto that particular sector. Furthermore, I restated my commitment to securing maximum funds for farmers through maintaining LFA payments, and my ongoing campaign to secure a better deal for farmers from Rural Development, in particular, adequate funds for farm modernisation –particularly as this is funded from farmers’ single farm payments to a tune of 240 million Euros over the course of the Programme!”
“Clearly, there is also significant interest in the Mourne area for rural tourism, and the fairly significant funding opportunities which exist within the new Rural Development Programme for providing new self-catering accommodation. I am grateful to the people of Kilkeel for helping make this event such a success.”
ENDS
