REPORT: TOM GILLESPIE

UP TO 250 farmers marched in Castlebar last week as part of the IFA's national protest against EU farm reforms which threaten their livelihoods and could spell disaster for Ireland's vital agri-economy.

Dozens of tractors and various types of farm machinery joined in the march through Castlebar which saw traffic disruption for a period and which culminated with a rally in front of the County library.

The placard carrying farmers highlighted the extent of the devastation which would impact on the sector if the Fischler's proposals go through.

In Mayo alone the income loss to farmers would be a staggering £10m. With a resultant loss to the rural economy of £22m. Farm jobs would be cut by 1,880 with an additional loss of 752 non-farm related jobs.

Farm suppliers and various Chamber of Commerce joined in the day of action as a mark of solidarity to the IFA members.

Mr. Brendan O'Mahoney of the IFA said the rally, which was staged at 28 different centres, was to highlight the serious situation facing Irish farmers and rural Ireland in general.

"If farmers incomes fall their purchasing power will be reflected in the urban areas and business people all around the country will feel the affect of it.

"We are trying to highlight the situation to our friends in the urban centres the seriousness of the situation on the ground.

"Agriculture is ten times important to the Irish economy than to any of our European counterparts. And in that aspect we will have to fight it to the bitter end to ensure that we safeguard what we have."

The President of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Pat Jennings said everyone knew that when things were not going well for the farmer, the whole country also suffered.

He added: "As a gesture of support from the Mayo Chambers of Commerce it is important to show our solidarity with the farmers."

Mr. Sean Clarke, chairman of Mayo IFA said he was delighted with the turnout at the protest and particularly with the backing they received from the business sector.

"This rally was to create an awareness of what is happening. It is a very serious business for the farmer. It is frightening when you thing of it.

"Farmers will be facing an average drop of £1,800. There will be people who will be down £3,000 and £4,000 and others who will be on an income of £5,000 or £6,000 that will be down £600 or £700 pounds.

"How can anyone who is on ££6,000 or £7,000 face an income drop of £600 or £700. That is not the way to be going. There is no way you could expect to live on that wage.

"We cannot reverse the CAP reform but we are talking about minimising its effect. If we accept the situation as it is and gallop into top gear where are we going to place all the people who will be forced to leave the farm. It would have a tremendous impact on rural Ireland.

"Rural Ireland has a lot to contribute. We are the guardians of rural Ireland. But desolate empty space does not look good and there are places in this county that have already been denuded of population ."

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - February 1999