Grant of more than €30,000 for Birr-based farm safety project

The allocation of more than €30,000 in State funding for an Offaly-based farm safety project has been welcomed by local TD John Clendennen.

Towra Livestock Services, based in Birr, as been awarded €31,500 for a project focusing on 'Safe Animal Handling, Animal Welfare Officer, and Showring Safety Training'.

The initiative is one of 46 farm safety, health, and wellbeing projects nationwide for which a total of €1.18m in funding has been announced by Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon.

Congratulating the successful Offaly project, Deputy Clendennen said: "I am delighted to see Towra Livestock Services in Birr receive this vital funding. Farm safety is an issue of paramount importance, and this investment of €31,500 will make a real difference in our local farming community.

"The training provided in safe animal handling and showring safety is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the wellbeing of both farmers and livestock."

He noted that livestock was "a significant factor in farm incidents," which underscored the need for the training being delivered by Towra Livestock Services.

"This funding demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing farming's safety record and supporting the health and wellbeing of our farmers.

"I want to commend Towra Livestock Services for their dedication to improving safety standards in Offaly and beyond," the Fine Gael TD added.