Call for grant aid for beekeepers

THERE are no funds available to assist beekeepers with the cost of restocking following the loss of bees and equipment to Varroa disease.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan revealed this in a written reply to a Dáil question by Waterford Labour TD Brian O’Shea.

Mr O’Shea had asked the minister to detail the State assistance provided for beekeepers who suffered major setbacks since the arrival of the Varroa mite here in 1998.