Nolan urges immediate Government support for farmers facing Bluetongue risks.

Independent TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan, has called on the Government to provide urgent and comprehensive support to farmers amid growing concerns over the potential impact of Bluetongue disease on Irish livestock.

Speaking following a Dáil debate on Bluetongue on Tuesday evening, Deputy Nolan emphasised the critical need for practical measures to protect the farming community, including enhanced surveillance, access to vaccines, and financial assistance for those affected.

“Farmers cannot be left to bear the financial brunt of this threat,” said Deputy Nolan.

“We need immediate action to ensure that testing, prevention, and compensation schemes are in place to safeguard livelihoods and maintain biosecurity. This is an issue I raised in a recently parliamentary questions to the minister, and it needs to be acted upon.”

“It was also clear from the Dáil debate that serious concerns are now emerging around the impact on trade between ourselves and the north of Ireland. That specific issue has to be at the forefront of our minds as we are all well aware of how prolonged national movement controls restrictions negatively impact on trade.”

“We must act swiftly if we are to protect our disease-free status; that is absolutely critical,” concluded Deputy Nolan.