There have been calls for government intervention over fears that a growing number of farms could come under threat of repossession due to the loans linked to them being bought by so-called vulture funds.

Farmers are being urged to take part in a survey as part of an independent study of agriculture crime in Ireland.

Creditor actions are leading to increased use of garnishee orders to freeze farmers’ EU payments, ICSA rural development chairman Seamus Sherlock has warned.

The €40,000 award of damages to hill walker Teresa Wall following a fall on the Wicklow Way is to be challenged in the High Court. Appeal papers are to be lodged within a matter of days, it was confirmed yesterday.

A separate, stand-alone compensation scheme for hen harrier designation is being sought by the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA).

The unlikely Irish farming hero who staved off eviction by barricading himself on his land for more than a year has said he is giving hope to farmers who can see no way out of their crippling debts.

As we approach the end of 2012, I doubt too many people will shed a tear — as mass unemployment leads to our villages, towns and countryside losing our youth in their thousands to far away shores.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Supreme Court of Ireland for upholding the sovereignty of the Irish people in the McCrystal decision.

I’m writing to with deep concerns for Seamus Sherlock, who remains under threat of eviction from his home despite prolonged attempts by his solicitor to deal with the Bank of Scotland fairly.

There will be no cake or candles but a rich helping of determination at the gate of Seamus Sherlock today when he and supporters mark the 100th day of his barricade.

Supporters from all over the country have rallied to the cause of a Co Limerick man who has defied an eviction order by staying barricaded in his home for more than 70 days.

Last week, I had the privilege of meeting Séamus Sherlock and his family.

A Limerick farmer who has blockaded the entrance to his home with tonnes of baled silage has said there are fresh hopes a settlement can be secured with Bank of Scotland, which got a court eviction order against him over an unpaid debt.

A Co Limerick farmer, who has blockaded the entrance to his home with tons of baled silage to prevent a threatened eviction over unpaid bank loans, is continuing to get support from all over the country.

A man has blockaded the entrance to his home in Co Limerick with 30 tonnes of baled silage to prevent a threatened eviction over unpaid bank loans.

A MAN who lost his fuel business after 20 years has organised a Facebook help page for people struggling to meet mounting financial debt.

Fianna Fáil's Niall Collins tops the poll with 9,361 votes in Limerick but has not reached the quota of 11,261 to be elected.

AN unemployed man chained himself to railings at ESB headquarters yesterday in protest at threats to cut off his electricity as his daughter collected her Leaving Certificate results.

An unemployed man chained himself to railings at ESB headquarters today in protest at threats to cut off his electricity as his daughter collected her Leaving Certificate results.