New initiative aims to reduce attacks on farmers and theft of farm machinery

Diarmuid Cronin of Muintir na Tire said: 'It’s not all paradise down in the countryside.'

It is believed thefts of farm equipment now amount to millions of euro per year. File picture: Andy Gibson

A new multi-agency initiative planned for the coming months around the country is aimed at reducing attacks on farmers and the growing theft of valuable farm equipment.

Muintir na Tire is teaming up with gardaí and the Department of Agriculture to provide farm safety walks in all counties of the country which will offer free expert security advice. The pilot walk was recently held for local farmers at a farm near Ballymacelligott, in Co Kerry.