Bobby Aylward - Fianna Fail TD for Carlow / Kilkenny^{Your Vote - Your Voice}

The removal of the temporary ban on Irish beef by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is good news for farmers in Kilkenny, according to Bobby Aylward, T.D.

“The ban on Irish beef imports into Saudi Arabia has been in place since 2000. Following a visit by Saudi experts to Ireland last June, a decision has just been taken to lift that ban”, Bobby Aylward said.

“This ban was a source of serious concern for many farmers. Our beef exports amounted to 25,000 tonnes annually and it was worth E33,000 million. The Minister for Agriculture took the implications of the ban very seriously and worked hard to have this important market re-opened as quickly as possible”.

“Intensive political, diplomatic and technical efforts were undertaken and both the Taoiseach and the Minister visited Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the year where they took the opportunity to discuss the temporary ban and to convey the grave concerns of Irish beef farmers”.

“When officials from Saudi Arabia visited Ireland over the summer, they were able to observe at first hand the rigourous standards if food safety controls in operation here any they were satisfied that they are effective”.

“It is great news for Kilkenny beef farmers that our efforts have been worthwhile. The trade with Saudi Arabia will resume when individual slaughter plants which are designsted to supply that market are approved by the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia”, Deputy Aylward ended.

14 October, 2007

Bobby Aylward, T.D., has insisted that consumers in South Kilkenny must receive regular information and updates about any developments on the water supply service in the area and has asked Kilkenny Councy Council to consider using all available technology to ensure that residents are alerted immediately to any emerging issues.

“The situation has been relieved with extra water coming from Waterford City Council and emergency works to speed up operations at the Silver Springs source in Mooncoin have been carried out. However, customers must be briefed and a proper system should be put in place to relay information to them in a timely manner.

“I have already asked Kilkenny County Council to consider using a special slot on local radio to provide regular bulletins on the water supply issue. I have been told that the County Council is now actively pursuing my suggestion. I also suggested that it would be useful if it were to compile a data base to enable direct communication with people who are affected. The use of text messaging and e-mail should be considered to alert customers of any problems associated with the water supply and to advise them of what measures are being provided to remedy these, and what the expected timeframe will be. The County Council has said that it is now exploring my proposal to target communications directly to consumers. This is welcome news.

“I have met several groups of people who continue to be concerned about the reliability of the water supply and the lack of information available about it. Until such time as the E 9 million Water Services Investment Programme has been implemented fully, the onus is on Kilkenny County Council to use every means possible to ensure that the people of South Kilkenny know what is happening and when it is happening”, concluded Deputy Aylward.

24 September, 2007.

Kilkenny Hurlers, Henry Shefflin and Cha Fitzpatrick, got out on the campaign trail with Bobby Aylward for the 2007 General Election Campaign. Both Shamrocks players worked very hard for Bobby and were out on the doorsteps canvassing! Thanks lads!

Press Release

Fianna Fail candidate in Carlow-Kilkenny, Bobby Aylward, has welcomed the Minister for Agriculture’s announcement today (16 May, 2007) of her intention to introduce a full range of measures to secure the future of the sheep industry in Ireland, in line with the recommendations of the Sheep Industry Strategy Group.

“This is a very significant financial boost for sheep farmers in Kilkenny who are feeling the pressures of a depressed sheep industry. The measures proposed today will promote a more efficient, competitive and profitable industry for all those involved and will provide the necessary incentive to remain in the business”, Bobby Aylward said.

He continued “The funding for some of the proposals announced by Minister Mary Coughlan is in the Rural Development Programme which is with the European Commission at present for approval. The remainder of the funding will come from the Public Services Estimates for Government”

“There is a new supplementary measure aimed at sheep farmers who are already major beneficiaries under REPS. Currently, there are 22,000 sheep farmers in the scheme and this is expected to increase to 80% of sheep farmers”.

“A fresh proposal has now been submitted to the EU to introduce a new REPS supplementary measure on sheep to support the mixed grazing of sheep and cattle. This special measure is designed to encourage sheep farmers to stay in the sector and to prepare for continued strong competition from other meats. It is proposed that payment would be at the rate of E 50 per hectare on up to 20 hectares for farmers maintaining sheep numbers equivalent to a stocking density of at least three or four sheep per qualifying hectare”.

”Maximum payment of E 1,000 per year would be paid to a farmer who has at least 20 hectares of lowland and keeps a minimum of 70 sheep with three cows, increasing the average REPS payment to sheep farmers under REPS 4 to over 30%”.

“A special measure for sheep farmers has also been proposed under the Single Payment Scheme National Reserve which will benefit sheep farmers with commonage land and a relatively low stock”.
(more…)

Press Release

The upgrading of the water and sewerage networks which serve Mullinavat must be a priority, according to Fianna Fail candidate, Bobby Aylward.

“Mullinavat is currently served by a sewerage scheme with primary treatment only and it was constructed in 1983. The scheme is now operating over its design capacity. There is no spare capacity available in the water supply network either and these issues will have to be addressed as soon as possible if the village is to advance at all”, Bobby Aylward said.

He continued “We have an ambitious Local Area Plan in place for Mullinavat and we must make every effort to ensure that the Plan is implemented. The village has massive potential for expansion after years of stagnation. To allow the development to proceed, we have to ensure that all the necessary facilities are in place to serve the population needs of the area. The local population is expected to increase to 600 in the long-term so we must have the proper amenities as soon as possible.

“The area must be promoted as a desirable location not only for living but for working as well. There has been a lack of employment opportunities in the village for many years and we have to encourage job creation in the area. An industrial site has been designated for new, light development and this is very welcome. It is my hope that several small businesses will locate in Mullinavat but we have to have suitable infrastructure and practical facilities.

“Mullinavat will become increasingly attractive in the coming years. The new N9, which is due to be completed in mid-2009, will alleviate the traffic problems and this will be good for the local community and for local trade. Its proximity to Waterford City makes the village very suitable for commuting and for transport.

“To enable future development plans and to accommodate residential and business needs in Mullinavat, it will be a key objective of mine to lobby hard to ensure that the water and sewerage networks are upgraded as a matter of priority so that we can actually realise the aims of the Local Area Plan”, Bobby Aylward concluded.

ENDS.

14 May, 2007

Press Release

The Fianna Fail Manifesto is focussed on securing the future of farming families with specific details on pensions for farmers’ wives, backing for younger farmers, and proposals for investing in qualifications in agriculture and agri-business, according to Fianna Fail candidate, Bobby Aylward.

“In order to protect and support family farmers, Fianna Fail will invest in improving competitiveness and promoting diversification on and off the farm and increasing the options for farmers. We will ensure that farming families have both the freedom to farm and to avail of all of the necessary supports, regardless of what way they farm or what agri-business they choose to pursue”, Bobby Aylward said.

He continued: “Fianna Fail is committed to fully implementing our Rural Development Programme so that farmers will benefit to the full from the increased payments and the new schemes that we have initiated. We will continue to support low-income farmers and their families through the Farm Assist Scheme and to adapt it in consultation with the farming organisations. And we are committed to reducing the regulatory burden on farmers.

“Farm families will also benefit from measures, including taxation measures, in order to assist farmers in maximising their income. We will further promote the benefits of REPS payments and achieve a participation rate of 70,000 farmers.

“Fianna Fail knows the importance of supporting farming families who are the very backbone of our rural communities. This is why we are focussing on providing practical support for farming families in our Manifesto”, Bobby Aylward concluded.

ENDS

Press Release

The application of rural planning guidelines will be much more consistent if a National Monitoring Committee is established, according to Carlow-Kilkenny Fianna Fail candidate, Bobby Aylward.

“Fianna Fail is proposing the creation of a National Monitoring Committee to oversee the interpretation of the Sustainable Housing Guidelines. It will be responsible for reviewing the application of the Guidelines. Where the local authority is seen to be too lax, the Committee will make it tighten up. Where it is considered to be too stringent, the local authority will be asked to adopt a fairer approach”, Bobby Aylward said.

“I am fully supportive of Fianna Fail’s initiative. As a Councillor, I have received several complaints about the varying interpretations of the Guidelines. Many young couples and others want to build houses in rural areas but they have been frustrated through a lack of consistency in interpretation.

“Seventy per cent of Kilkenny’s population lives in rural areas. I believe the National Monitoring Committee would be a very positive force in facilitating people to build homes in their own area where they have strong family and community ties.

“People cannot be allowed to build wherever they want but we have to strike a balance. It is vital that we preserve the natural beauty and integrity of the landscape but we cannot block people from building homes in rural areas simply because the interpretation of the planning guidelines is too strict.

“The planning authority must recognise the strong tradition of people living in rural areas. Fianna Fail is committed to promoting and supporting vibrant rural communities. We have a moral duty to protect the natural environment while at the same time meeting the housing needs of all those who want to live in their own area, among their own people. The National Monitoring Committee proposed in the Fianna Fail Manifesto would respond fairly to these demands”, Bobby Aylward ended.

ENDS.

Bobby Aylward says Fianna Fail is the only Party which is offering Stamp Duty reforms which provide certainty and stability for the property market and give a priority to first-time buyers.

“The choice facing the people is now abundantly clear. Fianna Fail’s proposals mean that any first-time buyer can sign a housing contract knowing that the relief will be delivered”, Fianna Fail candidate in Carlow – Kilkenny, Bobby Aylward said.

Bobby Aylward also pointed out that Fianna Fail’s proposals deliver benefits to those who bought houses in the last seven years and they ensure that cuts in tax rates do not impact on the benefit people get from current reliefs.

“Fianna Fail will implement a three-pronged approach. We are committed to abolishing Stamp Duty for first-time buyers and we will make it retrospective to 30 April last. In addition, we will increase the ceiling of mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers from E 8,000 to E 10,000 for single people and from E 16,000 to E 20,000 for couples or widowed people. This will be backdated seven years and will apply to all first-time buyers who bought a house from 2000 onwards. This will be done in Budget 2008. As income taxes are reduced, we will keep the rate for mortgage interest at 20% for all home owners”, Bobby Aylward confirmed.

“Our approach is good for certainty, it is good for affordability, it is good for society, and it is good for the economy as a whole. These changes will help young people and families to purchase their first home, it will help them to meet the repayments and it will ensure that the mortgage interest burden does not rise as a result of future income tax changes. And these measures will not destabilise the market”, Bobby Aylward concluded.

ENDS.

5 May, 2007

STATEMENT BY BOBBY AYLWARD, FIANNA FAIL CANDIDATE, CARLOW-KILKENNY.

Commencing his General Election Campaign today, Bobby Aylward, Fianna Fail candidate in Carlow-Kilkenny, said he is delighted the waiting is finally over and that he is looking forward to a vigorous campaign where the sham policies of other Parties will be dismantled and exposed.

“It’s unusual to wake up to a campaign proper on a Sunday morning but all our systems are in place and we’re out of the traps already. This is effectively a 26-day campaign; it will be arduous but it will be fought vigorously and fairly. I do not underestimate the challenge before me, not least in meeting every single voter between now and May 24. It will be physically-exacting but I’m more than ready and looking forward to the the fray”, Bobby Aylward said.

He continued: “This is a critical election and the electorate knows that perfectly well. I don’t believe anyone wants to see the fruits of our hard labours squandered. Fianna Fail is a known quantity and it stands proudly on its record of extraordinary achievement over the past 10 years. We are asking the Irish people to place their trust in Fianna Fail again. They know that we mean business and that we can deliver. They know that our objective is to keep our vibrant economy on the right track and to consolidate our efforts of the past decade”.

“In the coming weeks, we will be exposing the daft and unsustainable policy proposals from other Parties. We will dismantle each and every syllable and we will demonstrate to the Irish people that it is quite simply nonsense to change horses mid-stream. We have too much to loose if we hand over to a disparate group with no track record. That would be a retrograde step and would spell stagnation for all us”.

“My message to the people of Carlow-Kilkenny is simple – ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’! We are enjoying levels of unprecedented progress and prosperity. Fianna Fail has provided the recipe for good government and for sound economic management. This country has made momentous advances in the past 10 years as a direct result of prudent fiscal management, tax reform, strategic investment and a wide range of enlightened social policy measures which were implemented by Fianna Fail. We simply cannot afford to throw all that away. We cannot take the risk of handing over the management of our nation and our economy to a rag-bag Coalition. Fianna Fail has the determination and the proven experience to continue the solid work it has started and I am confident that the Irish people will be practical and wise and will recognise that fact”, Bobby Aylward concluded.

ENDS.

29 April, 2007