Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1965 Wicklow, National Farmers’ Association, Deputation to County Council

Source: Wicklow People, 27.02.1965

Miss Bobbett having introduced the other members of the deputation, said they would try to put their case before the Council to seek their co-operation in order to keep the rates at their lowest possible figure. Any increase in the rates paid by farmers was money being taken out of production, whether it came from a reduction in the use of fertilisers or a reduction in the amount of labour employed on the land. There had been a serious decline in crop yields in the past year, due to less fertilizers being used. If farmers had to pay increased rates and cut down on the use of fertilizers, or cut down on growing certain crops which needed fertilizers most, such as wheat, barley and beet, not alone would it reduce the farmer’s income and his ability to meet the rates, but it could also result in the serious unemployment in fertilizer factories and transport companies as a result of reduced crop yields.

Continuing, Miss Bobbett said she noted that the health charges had risen to 18s 7d in the £. When the Health Act was first passed the Minister stated that it would only rise to 2s 6d in the £. There was a committee studying this matter of health charges at present, and she suggested that the Council should not make any appointments under the new Planning Act in order to reduce the health charges.

She pointed out that the County Manager had drawn attention to the increases in the agricultural grant in recent years, but her rates on 40 statute acres had increased from £28 in 1952/53 to £56 in 1962/63, and to £58 in 1964/65, after allowing for the grant.