Cost was €9,250 to inspect 129 sheep flocks

IT COST the Department of Agriculture and Food about €9,250, in travel and subsistence, to inspect 18,600 sheep, in Connemara, and south Mayo on November 9, 2006.

Replying in the Dáil to Paul Kehoe, TD, Fine Gael, Agriculture and Food Minister, Mary Coughlan, said the inspection, by 51 department staff, was for compliance with the hill sheep de-stocking, required by the EU, to prevent over-grazing.

By arrangement, 129 flock owners gathered their flocks off the commonages for counting by Department officials, while other officials inspected the commonages to confirm all sheep were removed. Some 8,100 hectares was involved, including some very difficult terrain, she said.