Tipperary TD lobbies minister to cut cost of road closure licences for cattle underpass projects

The Fianna Fáil TD and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, Jackie Cahill has called for Local Authorities across the country to reduce the cost on farmers of installing underpasses so that farm animals might cross roads safely and with less traffic disruption.

Deputy Cahill has contacted his Fianna Fáil colleague in the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers TD to make the case for a significant reduction in the cost of road closure licences with County Councils across the country.

Speaking on this today, the Thurles TD said: “I very much welcome the Government decision to grant aid the installation of underpasses for farms. The more underpasses we have, the safer our roads will be, and there are also additional benefits in increasing farm safety and animal welfare.

“While grants are now in place for underpasses, the cost of closing a road with a Local Authority can be as high as €60,000. This is far too prohibitive.

“We should be doing all we can to support farmers in installing underpasses, reducing farm labour demands, making our roads safer, and increasing animal welfare. This is an obvious step to take. I am delighted to see that grants are now in place for underpasses but I believe more needs to be done at County Council level to reduce these costs.

“I will continue to raise this issue with my colleagues in Government to see delivery in this very important area.”