Sligo councillors express opposition to Mercosur trade agreement – ‘it is a rotten deal’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A motion tabled by Cllr Thomas Healy at the December meeting of Sligo County Council called on the government to “Take a clear stand against the Mercosur Trade Agreement at the EU Council meeting as this agreement is damaging to the EU Agricultural sector and in particular to the Irish beef and poultry sectors as well as been harmful to the environment on a global scale and damaging to the health of consumers.”

Speaking on behalf of his motion Cllr Healy said, This government urgently needs to step up to the European overlords. I am asking that Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon speaks to Italy and other countries to stop it. This is not good for Ireland, every farmer is opposed.”

Cllr Michael Clark also tabled a motion in relation to the Mercosur deal in which he called for the local authority to “Write to Taoiseach Micheál Martin to call on his government to reject Mercosur.”

Addressing the monthly meeting Cllr Clarke said, “It is a rotten deal,” warning the result of the deal would be, “It will flood the market with chemical contaminated beef.”

Cllr Clarke expressed the belief that the way forward for the industry is “To rebuild and support our suckler herd.”

Cllr Gerard Mullaney also expressed his anger at the deal saying, “Unfortunately its close to a done deal,” adding, “This industry has been built up by progressive farmers, It is something we can be very proud of.

"We are very dependant on good quality food, the last thing we want is to be flooded with Brazilian beef. This can damage public health."

Cllr Marie Casserly also shared her reservations regarding the Mercosur deal saying, “I agree Mercosur is bad for Irish farmers. Irish beef is produced under stricter EU conditions. Beef imported from Brazil does not meet the same standards.”

Similarly Cllr Donal Gilroy shared his opposition to the deal when he said, “I don’t like the look of it, I think it is a threat.”

The debate concluded with Cllr Healy saying, “MEPS need to make sure they are standing up for us.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.