The Government has been described as a headless chicken regarding its approach to farming in Clare.
Agriculture, Immigration and Business were the topics up for discussion as seven more candidates battled it out in Clare FM’s final General Election debate.
Immigration and particularly the burden placed on Clare’s hospitality industry has been one of the most divisive topics this year.
The latest Fáilte Ireland shows 25% of this county’s visitor beds are contracted to the state to host Asylum Seekers.
Fianna Fáil Candidate Doonbeg Councillor Rita McInerney claims the west of the county wasn’t properly represented in the Oireachtas and says challenges for business need to be addressed so the tourism industry is more profitable than IPAS.
There are currently just shy of 5,200 Ukrainian refugees living in Clare, with the Ennistymon Electoral Area hosting the highest volume in the country at 11.4% of its population.
This county is also hosting 987 International Protection Applicants, the 8th highest total nationwide.
Inagh Green Party Deputy Leader Senator Roisín Garvey says that with regard to placement, service issues have always existed in rural Clare and that many migrants have brought vital employment skills.
The Social Democrats has hit out at measures proposed by coalition parties to tackle migration in Clare and beyond.
Fianna Fáil has pledged to fine airline and ferry companies €10,000 for failing to ensure each travelling passenger has a valid passport or documentation.
Ennis-based candidate Hilary Tonge believes this approach is flawed and claims the state has been forced to use hotels due to a housing shortage and failure to build reception centres.
The burden of immigration in Clare has substantially affected the tourism trade, and has consistently led to calls for a reduced hospitality VAT rate of 9%.
The Government retained the 13.5% rate in Budget 2025, but now Fine Gael is pledging to drop this to 11%.
Lahinch Publican and Independent candidate Paddy Murphy believes this is electioneering.
The Independent Ireland candidate in Clare claims a major fault lies with Ireland’s focus on Foreign Direct Investment rather than small business.
So far this year, over 690 independent retail firms , cafes, bars and restaurants have closed their doors.
Cratloe man Eddie Punch says a fresh approach is needed that will reduce insurance premiums and energy bills.
A West Clare candidate has described the Government as a headless chicken with regard to its farming policy.
The Irish government previously committed to a target of reducing agricultural emissions by 25% by 2030 , which will involve the voluntary rewetting of peatlands as part of the recently passed EU Restoration Law.
Kilkee Independent candidate Kevin Hassett says the plans will be detrimental.
A former Mayor of Clare meanwhile, has conceded that one of the Department of Agriculture’s schemes was disastrous.
The Agri-Climate Rural Environmental Scheme had proposed a maximum payment of €10,500 for farmers taking action to reduce emissions, but some payments were delayed for up to 18 months due to difficulties with red tape.
Bodyke Fine Gael candidate Councillor Joe Cooney has vowed to have the initiative overhauled.
Catríona Ni Chatháin of People Before Profit declined an invitation to participate in today’s debate, while Rabharta candidate Barry O’Donovan was unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances.
You can listen to the full interview here:
