Farmers seek €580m budget spending pledge

The Government must deliver on a pledge for a €580m spending plan in October’s budget aimed at stimulating the rural economy.

That’s what the Irish Farmers Asociation (IFA) told the Government yesterday in its detailed 16-page pre-budget submission. The association said the funding must underpin the viability of family farms and provide direct and indirect employment across the entire country.

IFA president, Eddie Downey said achieving a balanced economic recovery, countrywide, must be a key Government objective.