News
MEP Kelly calls for EU loan scheme for farmers
&
MEP for Ireland South and Leader of Fine Gael, in the European Parliament, Seán Kelly, has called on the European Commission to come forward with a financial instrument aimed at facilitating easier access to finance for farmers to support their activities as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact upon incomes.
Speaking from Killarney today (Wednesday) ahead of the European Parliament's plenary session this week, Mr Kelly said that the actions to support farmers taken by the European Commission in terms of offering advances on direct payments, lowing the administrative burden and providing private storage aid are very welcome, however more needs to be done in line with the scale of the challenge facing farmers today.
"For this reason, I believe the Commission needs to come forward with an ambitious programme, modelled on the EU's €2.3bn COSME programme, which is currently successfully helping thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises access finance though guarantees, loans and equity capital,” he said.
"COSME uses the EU budget to provide guarantees to banks so they can provide more loan and lease finance to SMEs. By establishing a similar programme specifically for agriculture, the EU budget could be used to encourage banks to provide needed liquidity to our farmers at far more competitive interest rates than are currently available. At a time when the pandemic is causing huge disruption in agricultural markets, we must do all we can at EU level to ensure farmers have sufficient funds to keep their operations going. I will be engaging with Agricultural Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski and Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton in the coming weeks to explore the possibility of such direct support being provided."
Dunloe Hotel bids fond farewell to retiring Head Chef
It marks the end of an era for The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens as the team bid a fond farewell...
Regatta Queen crowned at annual dance
The annual Killarney Regatta Dance took place on September 25 as rowers, families and supporters came together to celebrate their...
Killarney Looking Good competition celebrates community pride
The annual Killarney Looking Good competition took place at the Great Southern Hotel on Wednesday night where Kerry GAA captain...
From Woodlawn to the world stage: How Drag, Lizzo, the Eurovision and Mom’s crafty needle-work made ‘Liam Bee’, BPerfect!
By Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan Not every road leads to Dublin. Some lead from Killarney to Cork, then London, and back again with...
Rising football star Luke Doolan talks life at Kerry FC This week, our Transition Year student Luke Mangan caught up...
Clifford brothers to test their game against golf’s elite
Kerry footballers Paudie and David Clifford will take on some of the biggest names in golf when they line out...
Athletic’s Luke Doolan Signs for Kerry FC
Killarney teenager Luke Doolan has signed for Kerry FC, making the move from local side Killarney Athletic. The 17-year-old forward...
Time change for Kerry team homecoming in Killarney
Celebrations are set to get underway in Killarney tonight as the Kerry team make their way back to the Kingdom...
Injured Kerry quartet return for do-or-die showdown with Cavan
by Adam Moynihan All-Ireland Preliminary Quarter-Final Kerry v Cavan Saturday 3.30pm Fitzgerald Stadium Key players Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Diarmuid O’Connor...
Kerry’s All-Ireland heroes launch new football camp for girls
Legendary Kerry ladies’ player Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh will be inspiring the next generation of superstars at the new Laochra football...
