Waterford TDs say decisive action must be taken over land rent dispute

Two Waterford TDs have said the Minister for Agriculture must act decisively after finally agreeing to meet hill sheep farmers affected by the Knockmealdown rent dispute, but refusing to offer support or commit to releasing withheld payments.

The issue was raised in the Dáil through a Topical Issue, highlighting the pressure on farming families from a tenfold rent increase.

Speaking on the matter Sinn Féín's Deputy Conor McGuinness said: “Sixteen hill farmers on the Knockmealdowns are facing rent increases of up to 900 percent, imposed by an absentee British landlord: This will put them off the land."

“These are generational farmers," he said.

"Families who have farmed that mountain for decades," he added.

He said he and his party colleague, Deputy Cullinane were on the mountain with those affected last week

"They are continuing to farm and they are holding their ground," he said.

"This has echoes of darker times when absentee landlords pushed Irish farmers off the land," he added, before commenting it should be a matter of concern for the Government.

“At the very moment these farmers are under pressure, their farm payments are being withheld," he said.

"That is strengthening the landlord’s hand and pushing these families to the edge," he added.

He said he asked the Minister to meet the farmers, to support them, and to release their payments. 

"He has agreed to meet them, which is welcome, but refused to back them or commit to payments," said Deputy McGuinness.

Meanwhile, Deputy Cullinane said: "A meeting is not enough. The Minister must now ensure payments are released and stand with these farmers."

“These farmers are being squeezed from all sides," he said.

"Rising rents on one hand and the loss of supports on the other," he added.

He said the minister agreeing to meet them was only "a first step", adding: "What is needed now is clear action to protect these farmers and their livelihoods.

“These are working farmers who are actively managing the land, maintaining a long-standing tradition of hill farming that cannot simply be replaced if it is lost. The Government has a responsibility to ensure they are supported to continue that work.”