January 2, 2008

Irish government to grant financial aid for livestock and small abattoirs

The government of Ireland has granted an aid package for livestock marts and small abattoirs, which were welcomed by both private and public sectors.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan said the fund will be used to improve efficiencies, add value, develop market outlets and contribute to enhanced quality and food safety.

Livestock marts, small slaughterhouses and meat establishments will be given priority.

Grant aid of up to 40 percent is available and a maximum grant ceiling may be fixed for individual projects. The closing date for applications is February 15.

Padraig Gibbons, president, Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, said many livestock marts needed the aid to comply with the new waste legislation. He said treatment facilities have already cost 300,000 euros -- a significant amount that can be used by small establishments to update their effluent facilities.

Gibbons have also asked an extension of application until April 1 to allow all marts to avail of the package.