EU Commissioner to visit Shannon region
EU Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera accepted the invitation from Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly following a meeting in Strasbourg.
MEP Mullooly said he was 'pleased that the commissioner now had a better understanding of the major issues of concern to farmers, caused by the new Nature Restoration Act and previous historical flooding along the River Shannon catchment area.'
Shannon region
MEP Mullooly met with the Save Our Shannon Committee in Athlone in February to discuss their concerns.
Today (Wednesday, May 7), he handed over a letter from the committee seeking EU support to address ongoing threats to farm incomes, harvesting and livestock losses caused by serious, annual flooding along the River Shannon.
'I am pleased that Commissioner Ribera was in a position to listen to the first-hand stories I presented today of farmers such as Michael Silk from Meelick, Co. Galway, who have spent the last 30 years campaigning for recognition of the special circumstances that the farmers in this region have to live in,' Mullooly said.
Commissioner Ribera said she was acutely aware of the issues surrounding the Nature Restoration Act.
However, she felt compensation and financial supports must be dealt with in the context of negotiations on the Multi-Annual Funding Framework, or EU budget, and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
MEP Mullooly also raised his proposal for a new Just Transition Fund for the Midlands.
He emphasised the need to simplify the fund and introduce pre-funding of up to 40% for community groups unable to raise initial funds.
He also highlighted the need for greater EU support for local community-led groups in renewable energy scheme projects, enabling citizens to participate and invest in their communities.
Executive Vice-President Ribera promised to discuss both matters with her relevant colleagues in the commission.
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