by Alan Jacques
LIMERICK is in a very strong position to benefit from the development of the Irish dairy industry.
This was the view expressed by Limerick Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan during a Dáil debate on the future of the Irish dairy sector in Dáil Éireann.
Opening the debate, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney predicted that over the next five years Ireland will be the fastest growing dairy producer in the world with an additional 10,000 jobs expected to be created.
Deputy O’Donovan pointed out that the dairy sector was of huge importance to the Limerick economy.
“The family farm has, for generations been the backbone of the Limerick economy and the developments which have taken place in the dairy sector in the recent past show the opportunities that exist for Limerick.
“Here in Limerick the food industry is a major employer. We know from small scale producers to global manufacturers that our ability to produce safe and traceable food is making a real difference to county Limerick families,” he said.
Deputy O’Donovan welcomed the fact that the Minister had secured flexibility from the EU on the issue of super levy. He added that measures included in the budget together with the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme, worth €400 million, and the Rural Development Program, which will see over €4 billion being injected into communities across the country, will make a big difference.
“This sector has the potential to drive the economic recovery in rural communities, and under the leadership and support from the Government it’s clear that it has a very bright future in Limerick and beyond,” he concluded.
