Minister for Agriculture’s Donegal visit highlights local research and innovation

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, visited Donegal this week.

The Fine Gael TD for Kildare South was in Newtowncunningham on Thursday to launch a pilot cooperation project to tackle bovine tuberculosis on a regional basis, as part of the Shared Island Initiative.

He also visited Raphoe and Killybegs to learn about various agricultural projects ongoing across the county. 

Fine Gael Senator for Donegal, Manus Boyle, accompanied Minister Heydon on the tour around Donegal, and said it was a “fantastic day”.

“We began the morning with a visit to a farm in Newtowncunningham, where we had the opportunity to see first-hand the hard work and dedication of our local farming community,” shared Senator Boyle. “From there, we travelled to the DAFM Potato Research Centre in Raphoe - the primary hub for potato research, breeding and seed propagation in the region. It was great to see the innovation and expertise driving this vital sector forward.

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“We then met with Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) to launch an important sheep awareness campaign, highlighting the significance of sheep farming to our rural economy and communities.

“Our final stops brought us to Killybegs and St. Catherine’s Vocational School, where the Minister met four outstanding students - Holly Meehan, Catherine Byrne, Kayla Boyle and Amy Rawdon - along with their teacher Niall Canning. The girls have reached the final of the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition, which will take place in Croke Park on March 6.”

“This is the first time the school has taken part in the competition, and what an achievement it is to reach the final! I want to wish them every success - we are all incredibly proud of you.”