Plans by the Department of Agriculture to impose minimum and maximum stocking rates on commonages have been put on hold, pending further talks between the two Government departments involved and farming organisations – that’s according to Mulranny-based Independent Councillor Michael Holmes, who was part of a deputation that met with the Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney in Dublin last night.

The IFA and other farming organisations have warned that the collective agreement sought by the Department would not work – whereby all farmers on a commonage must agree on stocking levels.

Councillor Michael Holmes says the Minister has now put the plan on hold, pending further consultations….