New crop for Kilkenny farmers is 'caution' says local TD

Kilkenny’s young farmers must remain vigilant on rural roads and farmers are urged to use caution when it comes to farm safety, by Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow Kilkenny, Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere.

Deputy Cleere has highlighted the issue of young farmers driving heavy machinery, saying being extra cautious on the roads at this time of year is important.

“This time of year, is a busy time for farmers throughout the country. There is a lot of heavy machinery on our rural roads as a result of this.

“There are a lot of younger farmers now coming on stream, and those who are on school holidays will be giving a lot of their time to the farm,” he said.

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“I would like to encourage all farmers to remain vigilant on our rural roads and be aware to the heavy machinery in which they will be driving, as a lot of roads are narrower in these areas.”

Recent HSA findings show that fatal incidents on farms are on the increase. Two in five workplace-related fatalities are accounted for on farms, despite only farms representing 6.5% of the workforce.
“The recent HSA findings are quite concerning and to be frank, scary.

“I would encourage all farmers to do their best to minimise the risk of accidents, especially with quads on farms which are rising at an alarming rate of late.”

He added: “Quads, the driving of heavy-duty machinery, and working from heights are all concerns that are common themes for accidents on farms.

“Farmers are the backbone of rural Irish economies across the country. I see the valiant work the farmers across my own constituency do – they are at the centre of our food industry in Ireland and contribute so much around the globe.”
Concluding Deputy Cleere said: “I’ve been on the record of asking farmers to mind their mind before, but now caution is the new crop!”