The production of potatoes was also down last year, by 12.4%.

Irish tillage farmers have been struggling to know whether to sow crops after months of continuous wet weather.

Donegal farmer Jamie Rankin was able to plant 10 acres of potatoes last Thursday, bucking the national trend

Teagasc’s director of knowledge Stan Lalor confirmed the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) is due to meet on Tuesday

Many big and small potato farmers are warning that the Irish favourite variety of Rooster may be in scarce supply by June

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) says that it wants to highlight the growth of air travel at a time when farmers are being warned to cut their output of emissions.

Social Democrats Holly Cairns leader has criticised other parties for not being honest with the public about the scale of change needed.

The action is fully contested by the State and opposed by the Irish Farmers’ Association and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association

The EU Council of Ministers and European Parliament agreed to the directive

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe says he's hugely aware of the problems facing the country - and his own constituency in Dublin Central.