Tag Archives: Billy Gray

ICSA rural development chairman, Billy Gray has called for a complete re-think on how to protect the hen harrier, an endangered bird that is found in the East Clare/South Galway region. Recent extensive gorse fires in the area increased concerns for the long term future of the bird. Mr Gray argues that the Government response to the hen harrier is a denial of reality which will not safeguard the bird but will continue to have a devastating impact on farmers with hen harrier designation. “The GLAS scheme is of some help to farmers with smaller areas of designation, but it is inadequate for many farmers,” said Mr. Gray. “The ban on afforestation needs to be reviewed as there are considerable doubts about whether it is actually warranted or whether a more nuanced approach could yield better results. Most importantly, the Government needs to wake up to the reality that the hen harrier cannot thrive in rural communities if its presence …

In the wake of a wave of rural crime, older farmers in Clare have been asked to consider applying to their local community group for a personal alarm under the Seniors Alert Scheme. ICSA rural development chairman, Billy Gray said, “Subsidised monitored personal alarms are available to all those aged 65 or over who meet the criteria of the scheme and have a landline telephone. “Community groups have been issued with grants to cover the costs of purchasing and installing the alarms, and the recipient only has to pay the yearly monitoring fee.” “These alarms provide great security for older people or older couples living alone, as the alarm is monitored twenty-four hours a day and if you have any concern for your own safety, whether it’s an intruder or an accident, all you have to do is press the button and there’s someone at the end of the line to help.” Those who want more information  can contact the …