Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has called for further action from Government around efforts to develop the Irish wool sector.

The call echoes those of sectoral representatives, such as the INHFA and the Galway Wool Co-op, which have both called for the provision of measures to support the Irish wool sector.

Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:

“There is so much opportunity in the Irish wool sector and it is clear that commitment and action is needed from Government if we are to revitalise this key indigenous industry.

“I recently received replies to Parliamentary Questions I had submitted to several Ministers, including the Minister for Agriculture, regarding efforts to develop the Irish wool market.

“From my engagements with representatives from the sheep and wool sector, it is clear that matter relates to trade, enterprise and climate focuses, as well as agriculture.

“I also queried Minister McConalogue on progress made by the recently-established Irish Wool Council, which has been welcomed as a positive step to revitalising the sector.

“While Minister McConalogue’s responses reiterated ambitions to ‘promote an Irish Grown Wool Brand both domestically and internationally’, he provided little indication of progress in this area otherwise.

“The Wool Feasbility Study report was published in 2022 and made key recommendations, many of which remain outstanding. We need sustained Government action to see those recommendations addressed and implemented.

“The Government cannot just set up the Wool Council and step away. There must be a joined up, cross-Department approach if we are to see sustained progress towards developing and promoting the Irish wool sector.

“We know that the opportunity is there to harness the potential of the Irish wool sector, but continued commitment to realising that progress is crucial.”