Sinn Féin TDs Conor D. McGuinness and David Cullinane have welcomed a breakthrough in the Knockmealdown grazing dispute. 

The two Waterford TDs raised the matter in the Dáil on Wednesday. On foot of this Lismore Estate, the landlord in question, has written to Minister Heydon to confirm that talks with the farmers are taking place and that in the interim commonage letters will issue which will allow farm payments to be unlocked.

The Waterford TDs said the development follows sustained engagement and campaigning on the issue over recent months and represents an important step forward for the 16 hill farmers affected in the Knockmealdown mountains.

Deputy McGuinness said:

“This is a welcome and important development. The issuing of commonage letters means that farm payments can now be released, which will provide immediate relief to the farmers affected.

“These farmers have been under severe pressure, facing the combined impact of excessive rent demands and the withholding of vital payments. Unlocking those payments is a necessary step and one that should not have taken this long.

“This dispute must now move towards a fair and sustainable resolution for the 16 farmers involved. They are generational hill farmers who have worked this land for decades and they must be supported to remain on it.

“We will continue to keep a close eye on developments. Progress has been made, but there is more to do to ensure that the outcome is fair and protects the future of hill farming in the Knockmealdowns.”

Deputy Cullinane welcomed what he described the move as a positive step. He said “it is important that the current engagement process continues in good faith and leads to a fair outcome for all parties.

“These farmers have strong public support and have made clear that they want a sustainable resolution that allows them to continue farming.

“We will continue to work with them and support them to ensure that this process delivers a fair and lasting result.”