Warning over sheep industry

THERE is a real danger that the sheep industry will lose its critical mass to enable it to survive and prosper.

Fine Gael agriculture spokesman Michael Creed issued the warning after pointing out that ewe numbers have fallen from five million to three million in recent years. Noting that Bord Bia figures show a drop of 200,000 in the number of sheep being sent for slaughter, he said Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan’s recently announced €6 million measure for the sector will only address the “tip of the iceberg”.

Mr Creed called for an ewe grant scheme that could be modelled on the more valuable suckler cow welfare scheme.