The RNLI is asking the public to ‘give it some welly’ and answer their Mayday call after another hugely busy year.

As the RNLI announces its 2018 annual rescue figures, the charity is calling on the people of County Donegal to support their volunteer lifeboat crews as Mayday, the charity’s national annual fundraising campaign is launched.

Volunteer lifeboat crews at the RNLI’s three lifeboat stations in Co Donegal launched 69 times in 2018 bringing 69 people to safety.

Arranmore RNLI launched 34 times bringing 24 people to safety while Bundoran RNLI launched 14 times, coming to the aid of 22 people. The lifeboat crew at Lough Swilly meanwhile, launched 21 times, rescuing 23 people. These rescues are only possible because of the donations made to the charity by supporters.

For the month of May, the RNLI’s Mayday campaign is asking people to ‘do their bit, fund their kit’ with the lifesaving charity hoping to raise €780,000 to fund the crucial kit volunteer lifeboat crews rely on, like lifejackets, helmets and the RNLI’s iconic yellow wellies.

Joe Joyce, Lough Swilly RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Our crews drop everything when their pagers go off to launch the lifeboat and head out to help those in trouble. Our lifeboat crew kit gives our volunteers the confidence to face all weathers and conditions, night or day. The right kit is vital in helping to make sure we do what we are trained to do and that we bring everyone home safely.

‘Last year, RNLI crews in County Donegal launched 69 times and rescued 69 people. The RNLI’s Mayday fundraiser is our own call for help, and we are asking people to ‘do their bit to fund our kit’ throughout May.
‘We hope people will answer the RNLI’s Mayday appeal and do something, no matter how big or small, to raise funds for the lifeboat crews. Every piece of kit on a volunteer has been funded through the generosity of people.’

Anyone who wants to get involved should visit RNLI.org/Mayday to register for a free Mayday pack.

The pack provides a host of fundraising ideas, such as encouraging friends and colleagues to plan a wear-yellow fundraiser, getting sponsored to run, walk or cycle, cooking up some yellow-themed bakes to sell or even getting together to lift the weight of a 32 tonne Tamar class lifeboat.

The charity is also encouraging people to show support on their social media, joining the conversation using the hashtag #MaydayEveryDay, or by donating online or buying a yellow welly pin badge.

Rosie Connolly from Letterkenny normally likes to take her time when she goes shopping.

But there was no time to waste when she popped along to the brilliant Home Store + More at the Letterkenny Retail Park yesterday.

Rosie with her mum Teresa and her haul of goodies!

Rosie was the winner of a competition organised by the store which gave contestants the chance to grab as many items as possible in just a minute and stuff them into a trolley to keep.

Needless to say, Rosie didn’t waste any time checking prices but covered the shop floor like a professional shopper with a wallet-full of somebody else’s money to spend!

Supported by her mum Teresa from Booragh in Ramelton and some other friends, Rosie managed to nab a staggering €1,083 worth of goods in just four minutes.

Staff at the shop were delighted for Rosie and wished her well as she left the premises to fill her car.

Staff at the new store which is proving hugely popular with locals are planning plenty of other novelty promotions as the store continues to grow even more popular.

Derry City have confirmed that left-back Ciaran Coll has made a full recovery and will be in their squad for tomorrow’s game against UCD.

Coll was stretchered of in the first half of last Friday’s derby game against Finn Harps.

The St Johnston man was on the receiving end of an X-rated challenge from Harps’ Colm Deasy, who was sent off.

Initial fears that Coll had broken his leg were quelled on Saturday morning.

Coll took a full part in this morning’s training session and, Derry confirmed, will be ‘subsequently added to the squad’ for tomorrow’s trip to Dublin.

“We’re delighted that Ciaran has made such a speedy recovery,” Derry City’s assistant manager, Kevin Deery, said.

“He has done really well for us this season so far and it will give us a boost to have him back.”

City will, however, be minus Jamie McDonagh, who was given a second yellow card in the tunnel at Finn Park.

McDonagh was just back from a suspension, but will now miss the game against UCD through an automatic suspension.

Further, it has been revealed that Deery was sent off by the match referee, Neil Doyle, following Derry’s third goal, a David Parkhouse strike deep in added time.

Deery said: “We’re in good form and the boys are playing well, so we travel with a bit of confidence.

“We are however well aware that UCD pose a real threat with their own form picking up in the last number of weeks.”

“It’s another test for us as this very busy programme continues. We have to be up for the challenge if we want to be competing at the top end of the table and we will be ready.”

Saturday evening’s Four Lanterns Ulster Senior League game between Bonagee United and Letterkenny Rovers has been postponed.

The USl confirmed that the game, which was due to be played at Dry Arch Park. has been postponed due to a death in the Bonagee area.

“The game will be re-fixed as soon as possible,” the League said in a statement.

Local election candidate Donal Coyle to launch his election campaign this Sunday the 14th of April in the Clanree Hotel at 8pm.

Dara Calleary T.D, Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil and Director of Elections will be the guest speaker on the night.

Donal is joined on the Fianna Fáil ticket with Councillor Ciaran Brogan and Manus Kelly.

Donal, who is a former school teacher for forty years and school principal for 32 years, is married to Kathleen and has nine children and fifteen grandchildren.

He has a strong political, sporting and community background. He is well known as Chairperson of Bonagee United, Treasurer of the Ulster Senior League and Vice Chairperson of the Ulster Football Association.

He is also the treasurer of the Lurgybrack Text Alert and the chairperson of the TEN T N56/N13 Letterkenny -Lurgybrack to Manor Roundabout Committee.

In politics, he is Secretary of Lurgybrack Fianna Fáil Cumann, Chairperson of the Letterkenny/Milford Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceantair and Joint Treasurer of Donegal FiannaFáilComhairleDáilCeantair.

Donal said “Putting people and local issues first is what I am about. I have always worked hard for my community and if given the platform in Donegal County Council I feel I could do a lot more. I am very grateful for the support I have already received and I am looking forward to my launch on Sunday night”.

Job Vacancy: Leading human resources company Boyd HR are currently recruiting for a new team member.

Boyd HR, based in Letterkenny, is now taking applications for an HR Administrator.

See the poster below for the role description and application details:

A woman secretly recorded a family meeting at which she confronted her brother about raping her when they were children, a court has heard.

Excerpts of the audio recording on the woman’s phone were played to a Central Criminal Court jury during the 43-year-old man’s trial last month.

In the recording, he expressed apologies to his sister but did not make admissions.

The Donegal man, who cannot be named to protect the woman’s anonymity, had pleaded not guilty to four charges of anal rape, one of oral rape and one of sexual assault at the family home in the north-west between May 1991 and June 1993.

The Irish Examiner reports that after a trial in March a jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all charges. The man has no previous convictions.

Defence counsel Michael O’Higgins SC submitted that though the man accepted the jury had returned verdicts and that he must live by them, he was making no admissions to the crimes.

A local garda told Pauline Walley SC, prosecuting, that the man abused his sister when he was in his mid-teens and she was aged between ten and 12 years. He committed the crimes in the family home while their parents were out working.

The garda said the woman made her garda statement in 2015 after tensions between her brother and other family members went unresolved.

The garda said the family found out about the allegations following a confrontation between the woman, her brother and his wife in early 2013.

For full story see https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/donegal-man-convicted-of-raping-his-sister-when-they-were-children-to-be-sentenced-in-may-917162.html

Dorrian Construction Limited are seeking a quantity surveyor to join their team.

Description

The role will involve:

Working within & assisting the construction team to ensure a successful project is delivered, while maintaining relationships, maximizing commercial returns and manage risk.

Key Responsibilities:

* Support the Senior Quantity Surveyor functions, assisting with & taking responsibility for:
Preparing tenders, analysing, selecting appropriate subcontractor’s, negotiation & finalise subcontractor orders, financial & commercial management of subcontractor’s to Final Account completion.

* Site records & document control

* Site measurement records

* Assisting in the preparation of forecasts, targets & Cost Value reconciliations
Valuations

* Prepare variations with adequate records & details, agree as works progress

* Update projected Final Account, prepare & submit in a timely manner

* Maintain & protect DCL commercial & contractual entitlement

* CVR – Be actively involved in & understand the process, maintain independent view

* Cash management – Be aware & be actively involved to ensure good cash management

* Tender preparation – Support as required

* Manage & oversee tender process

– Involvement with & take some responsibility for:

– Simple Design & Build/Contractors Design Portion contracts

– Claims & disputes

– Understanding of contract law

– Seek out new opportunities

Experience & Skills

Demonstrate clear written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to effectively utilise a range of technology platforms

Be fully conversant with the use of the Standard Method of Measurement

Demonstrate ownership/commercial awareness

Effective time management, organisational, interpersonal and negotiation skills

Qualifications/Training

Educated to diploma or degree level and working toward the relevant professional accreditation
Cost Value Reconciliations
Contract/commercial appreciation

Send enquiries to d.dorrian@dorrianconstruction.ie

The party will be non-stop at Sister Sara’s Letterkenny this weekend as the Superpub celebrates its one year anniversary.

Three days of music, fun and prizes are planned from Friday 12th April to Sunday 14th.

Sister Sara’s cemented its place as a top entertainment venue last year when it reopened with a brand new modern look. Sara’s Kitchen was also launched to bring a new dining experience to Letterkenny, with a full menu of tasty dishes and daily Chef specials available for lunch, light bites and dinner.

The Big Birthday Bash begins this weekend with a Prosecco reception and nibbles for guests on Friday from 9pm. There will be live music from the incredible Sailor Bill.

Saturday sees Noel Thompson and DJ Kevin McDaid providing the entertainment. Plus, there’s a chance to win fantastic prizes with the fun prize grab machine!

The party starts early on Sunday, with Irish dancers entertaining the crowds during lunchtime at 3pm. Then Joe Gibson and Elaine Boyle perform from 7pm and the Sara’s Sunday Playlist takes revellers into the night.

Sister Sara’s will be the place to be this weekend. Plus, they are marking the big occasion with a special Steak Deal – 10oz Steak and all the trimmings and a drink for only €20!

Check out Sister Sara’s on Facebook for more.

The team at Castle Grove Country House, Letterkenny, give us an eggcellent preview of their upcoming special events this Easter: 

Easter at Castle Grove Country House

There’s just no mistaking it – spring is in the air! Slowly rising temperatures and that lovely stretch in the evening give us a wonderful sense of rejuvenation.

Easter is coming! It’s one of our favourite times of year at Castle Grove. Outside the air is full of possibility and regrowth is everywhere. Easing ourselves into the year, Easter offers us a chance to regroup to reconnect with family and friends many of whom, we might not have seen since Christmas!

Castle Grove is the perfect setting to kick back, relax and reflect on the first three months of the year.  We’ve planned a weekend full of great food and fun activities to make it a memorable time for the whole family.

Easter Lunch  (Bookings Required)

Easter Sunday we’ll be laying on our traditional Easter lunch from 12 noon – 5pm. Castle Grove’s Kitchen will be preparing a menu filled to bursting with fresh vegetables, succulent meats and delicious sauces that are sure to satisfy every pallet. Easter Sunday Lunch €29.50 Adults and €15.00 per Child.

Easter flowers at Castle Grove

The Easter Bunny Has Lost His Eggs!  –

Complimentary Egg Hunt for Kids on Sunday with Lunch Booking!

That brings us on to the most EGGSCITING event of the weekend – the Easter Egg Hunt! There will be not one but TWO egg hunts on Sunday afternoon. The first will be held in the Castle Grove gardens at 2 pm and the second at 4pm. The hunt is always hugely popular with children (Big and Small) who have loads of fun in the Castle Grove grounds, with additional Children’s activities planned for the day.

There will be a very special guest on the day to help find those eggs – none other than the Easter Bunny himself.

Who’s that hopping about Castle Grove?

Relax and Renew with Afternoon Tea

Saturday and Monday see us setting out our exquisite Easter Afternoon Tea each day from 12 –4 which you are free to enjoy in one of our comforting drawing rooms. Filled with tasty savoury snacks and delicious sweet treats, and rounded off with a cup of hot soothing tea €20 or ice-cold bubbly Prosecco €26, there’s no experience quite like it.  As all of our afternoon tea treats and snacks are freshly prepared for your enjoyment, please do be advised that advanced booking is essential.

Easter at Castle Grove Country House

Special Spring Break Offers

Fancy making a Break for it this Easter? Call Karoline or any of the team at Reception on 0749151118 for special rates on One, Two or Three Night Stays.

Get in Touch to Book Now

So, what are you waiting for? Call now to book your place at Castle Grove this Easter! It’s a hugely popular time so advance booking for any of our Easter events is essential. On booking, please do let us know how many children you will be bringing for the hunt. We look forward to welcoming you to Castle Grove this Easter.

Booking can be made at any Castle Grove event by calling 0749151118 or by messaging us on Facebook or Instagram or by emailing on reservations@castlegrove.com

www.castlegrove.com

Easter flowers at Castle Grove

Local families will be delighted to hear that Lurgybrack Open Farm will be reopening this Easter Break.

The hugely popular farm is opening its gates on 13th April 2019, just in time for the school holidays.

Lurgybrack Open Farm is a hidden treasure on the outskirts of Letterkenny on the Cullion Road. It has become a destination for families all over Donegal and beyond to visit and learn about animals while having fun in the fresh outdoors. Plus, there are some fun new additions to discover this year.

With lots to do and fantastic value for money, the farm is a brilliant day out for all ages. The centuries-old farm building is home to a range of friendly farm animals that children can come face to face with.

It’s the perfect place for a school trip, party or families to learn and play.

There is a large play area for kids and visitors can take a run on a tractor, enjoy the bouncy castles, zip wire, sand pit, waterslide, jumping pillow, indoor bouncy castles or take a leisurely stroll around the dusty trail walk.

There is ample space to play safely, wander by the riverside, or just sit back and unwind with a tasty snack from our tearoom or have your own family picnic.

To plan your visit, contact: 

Lurgybrack Open Farm, Cullion Road, Lurgybrack, Letterkenny, Co.Donegal

Phone: 074-9122683

Mobile: 086-8212012

Email: lurgybrackopenfarm@town.ie

The Donegal Down Syndrome has gained a major boost with a donation of €11,270 from the proceeds of Gabrielle’s Diary Ball.

Social diarist Gabrielle McMonagle hosted a successful fundraiser in March to bring 400 people together in support of a strong local cause.

The charity ball in the Clanree Hotel was a special celebration of diversity and inclusion, while many members of the Donegal Down Syndrome Association starred as special guests and dancers on the night.

This year’s ball was Gabrielle’s 10th charity event. Once again, it brought a large community of businesses and individuals together in support of the chosen cause.

Gabrielle caught up with her friends in DDS on Thursday to proudly present them with the grand total raised.

L-R: Gina Grant, Sinead McDevitt, Gabrielle McMonagle, Sheila McMenamin and Gearoid Melvin from the Donegal Down Syndrome Association, with little Seanie McMenamin at the front

The money is sure to go a long way in supporting members and their families across Donegal.

The Donegal Down Syndrome branch is a parent-led group with more than 160 members. They provide speech therapy and parent support, along with annual events and community awareness initiatives.

Gabrielle McMonagle presents €11,270 to the Donegal Down Syndrome Association

A special meeting of Donegal County Council will take place this Monday to decide on the preferred routes for a number of roads in the new Ten T project.

The controversial project, which threatens to displace a number of families along the various routes, will not go ahead until a number of stages are passed.

The routes include sections of road between Letterkenny and Manorcunningham, Ballybofey and Straorlar and Lifford and Strabane.

There have already been a series of workshops on the proposed routes across the county.

However, displace the public consultation, some residents claim the routes are already a done deal.

Submissions by concerned residents will all be presented to Donegal county councillors during Monday’s meeting for consideration.

If the preferred routes are passed then the project will progress to the design stage before an Environmental Impact Report will be carried out.

An anti-abortion film co-created by Donegal woman Ann McElhinney is to be shown by the Trump administration in the White House today.

The movie, titled Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer, is about US doctor Kermit Gosnell, who ran a secret abortion clinic.

Journalist Ann McElhinney, who is from Bundoran and her husband, Tyrone man Phelim McAleer, crowd-funded the true crime drama film.

The film has been noted for its graphic depiction of second- and third-trimester abortions. Dr Gosnell was prosecuted in 2013 for illegal late-term abortions and for first-degree murder of three babies that were born alive at his clinic. The film has come under fire by some critics, who see it as a pro-life statement against all legal abortions.

Poltico.com reports that Gosnell is to be screened in the White House on Friday and around 150 guests from various anti-abortion and faith groups are invited to the event. President Trump is not expected to attend the screening.

Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, was today joined by Government colleagues and members of rural communities from Donegal, Sligo and Mayo at a #RuralOpportunity event in Bluestack Hall, Drimarone, Co Donegal.

The event was focused on raising awareness of the wide variety of Government supports available to rural areas throughout the region. The event also provided advice on how to access Project Ireland 2040 funding for rural, or community, projects.

Minister Ring was joined at the event by Joe McHugh TD, Minister for Education and Skills and Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for Community Development, Natural Resources and Digital Development.

Groups from rural areas in Donegal, Sligo and Mayo, that have an interest in accessing Government supports, were invited to attend.

The audience heard from a number of individuals, from the region, about how funding has enabled them to deliver their successful projects:

Included was Pól McFadden, Chairperson of the Falcarragh Parish Development Association spoke about how the delivery of a new community centre was supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the LEADER programme.

Speaking at the event, Minister Ring said that the case studies presented at the event are inspiring.

He said “Just listening to the people speak here today about how funding for rural projects is strengthening communities and building resilience has certainly inspired me. I hope that these stories will encourage others to apply for funding for their projects. Across Government we have made the supports available to assist projects that are sustainable and will make Ireland a better place for us all.”

He added “I think it is particularly appropriate that we are here in Donegal today for this event. Through Project Ireland 2040 we have an extremely ambitious plan for investment in Border regions and I want to take this opportunity today to reassure everyone that supporting communities in the border area is a priority for the Government.”

Minister McHugh congratulated Minister Ring on this initiative and also for all of his support for projects here in Donegal.

He said “Project Ireland 2040 is a major investment by the Government. We are doing this to make sure that as the population of the country grows we have balanced regional development and rural areas are attractive places for families to live.

“We have many skilled and talented people living in rural areas and in order to retain them we have to invest in rural infrastructure. These rural opportunity events show that we are prepared to do that.”

A father of three who was caught speeding at 163kph with his three children in the back has been warned his driving could have had tragic consequences.

Paul Conaghan appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged with dangerous driving.

Conaghan, of Rough Park, Letterkenny, had been stopped by Gardai who detected him driving at 163kph in a 100kph zone on the N13 at Dromore outside Letterkenny on February 25th last.

Garda Michael Kilcoyne said he detected the car speeding around 5pm and then followed it after activating the flashing lights on his Garda car.

He eventually caught up with the driver and found he had three children on board.

He told Gardai that his speeding was irresponsible saying he was simply in a hurry.

Solicitor for the accused, Frank Dorian, said his client had no previous convictions and did not even have a penalty point.

Judge Paul Kelly said Conaghan’s speeding could have had disastrous consequences and the accused said he had now learned a lesson.

Judge Kelly reduced the charge form dangerous driving to careless driving and fined Conaghan, aged 37, €250.

Job Vacancies: Mc Gettigans Hotel and Warehouse Bar + Kitchen, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal are currently expanding their team with a number of exciting vacancies. You will be part of a dynamic workforce, and a company that is constantly growing and expanding worldwide

Due to our continued success, we are currently recruiting for;

• Experienced  Bar Staff and Floor Staff to join our team in Warehouse Bar + Kitchen
• Experienced Food & Beverage Assistant to join our Food & Beverage team in Mc Gettigans Hotel

.Key Responsibilities of these roles are:

• Excellent customer service skills
• Previous F&B experience is required (3 years minimum)
• Must be knowledgeable of food & drinks service standards
• Cleanliness level must be maintained to a high standard
• Must be willing to willing to work variable hours

The ideal candidate for these positions:

• Must have a professional and friendly approach
• Must be focused on providing excellent customer service
• Must be team player and have the ability to multi task.
• Must have excellent attention to detail as well as good communication
• Must have excellent time keeping skills
• Good level of spoken English is required

If you are interested in joining our team and have the relevant minimum 3 years’ experience for these roles, we would like to hear from you.

Please forward your CV stating what position you are interested in to hr@mcgettiganshotel.com

Residents from both St. Eunan’s Terrace in Raphoe and Deele View Park in Convoy were honoured in the Best Kept Council Housing Estate Competition for Stranorlar Municipal District earlier this week.

At the Stranorlar Municipal District meeting on Monday 8th April 2019, Cllr Patrick Mc Gowan Cathaoirleach of the Stranorlar MD and the Elected Members made a presentation to the winners of the Best Kept Council Housing Estate Competition 2018.

This competition takes place every year in each Municipal District and includes three categories.

In the Stranorlar Municipal District, St. Eunan’s Terrace, Raphoe received a prize of €600 as winners of the Large Estate category (51 houses or more) and Deele View Park Convoy received a prize of €300 as winners in the Small Estate Category (20 houses or less).

Speaking at the meeting Cathaoirleach Cllr. Patrick McGowan congratulated all the residents who took part in the competition and commended them for their hard work, dedication and pride in their estates. These sentiments were echoed by the other elected members of Stranorlar Municipal District and they highlighted their commitment to continuing to support the Residents Associations in all their efforts.

Cllr. Patrick McGowan, Cathaoirleach of Stranorlar Municipal District presenting the winner of the 2018 Small Estate category to Mary Kilpatrick representing from the Residents Association of Deele View Park, Convoy

It was noted that there were no entries in the Medium Estate Category (21-50 houses) in 2018.

Cllr McGowan urged all Council Housing Estates to get involved in the competition.

He said “It is a great way for communities to come together to make their own estate a great place to live in and to bring up their families. The work that has been done by both the residents in St. Eunan’s Terrace and Deele View Park is a great example to everyone and of course there are many other estates where people are working together creating a sense of pride and community spirit in their own areas.”

Application Forms and details will be available in June 2019 and further information on this competition and setting up Residents Associations is available by calling into the Housing Section in any Council Office or by calling (074) 91 53900.

Cllr. Patrick McGowan, Cathaoirleach of Stranorlar Municipal District presenting the winner of the 2018 Large Estate category to representatives from the Residents Association of St. Eunan’s Terrace, Raphoe, Danny Martin, Sadie Martin and Shirley McBrearty

A Co Donegal shop owner who stockpiled custard creams for customers has said the Brexit delay has wrecked his plans.

Edward Coyle owns and runs Centra in Raphoe.

Independent.ie reports her has been stockpiling UK-made items, such as Jacob’s Custard Creams, Heinz Beans and garlic bread, for months in anticipation of a no-deal Brexit.

Now, however, with the deadline pushed back to October, his goods will go out of date unless he sells them, which will in turn impact his supply chain.

“We were ready for March 29 and we were ready on April 12. Now this delay has wrecked our plans,” Mr Coyle said.

“We have to sell off all the stuff that we had stockpiled and we have to stockpile again for October, but my worry is that Brexit can happen at any time.

“It can happen in June when they review it, so how do I prepare? How do I manage that?

“The politicians are not helping the likes of me to prepare when they can’t even give us a date. Will October be the actual date, or will it be pushed down the road again?”

Mr Coyle said he and other businesses in the Republic were taking no chances when it came to products manufactured in the UK and had filled warehouses with essentials to avoid empty shelves.

“The items I have stockpiled are items that we can’t guarantee we will have on the shelves if a no-deal Brexit happens,” Mr Coyle explained.

“Anything that is produced in Great Britain is stuff we have stockpiled.

“That would be biscuits such as custard creams, which are manufactured in Great Britain and brought across, and brands like Heinz.

For the full story see https://www.independent.ie/business/brexit/shop-owner-who-stockpiled-food-for-nodeal-brexit-says-extension-has-wrecked-his-plans-38008316.html

The Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) must be reopened for farmers who have their Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) contracts end in 2018.

Those are the calls of Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue on Friday, who said that farmers were being denied ‘increased profitability’ by being omitted from the scheme.

Deputy McConalogue explained: “GLAS must be immediately reopened to farmers whose AEOS contracts finished in 2018.

“These farmers are being deprived of the opportunity to join the latest agri-environmental scheme GLAS. This is indefensible and denying them increased portability levels, while carrying out additional actions that are conducive with the protection of the environment and climate change mitigation.

“It must also be remembered that in 2015, Government said once the scheme was fully opened with 50,000 farmers it would require funding of €250 million per annum.

“The government have missed this financial commitment on the scheme in each year over the 2016-2018 period as evidenced in latest PQs, so the finances are there to reopen the scheme.

“Secondly, there actually has been a €62 million underspend in the scheme, as of December 2018, so further unused monies are available.

“The government must ensure the scheme is immediately opened for these farmers and reopen GLAS,” concluded Deputy McConalogue.