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Macra Raises Concern Over Rising Energy Costs for Young People in Rural Ireland
Macra has expressed growing concern about the rising cost of energy and the significant impact it is having on young people living and working in rural Ireland. Increasing fuel prices are placing additional financial pressure on many young people who are already grappling with the high cost of living. The rising price of fuel for agricultural vehicles is placing a significant burden on young farmers. Young farmers operating on tight budgets and small margins may find this unexpected increase particularly challenging. "Our young farmers are facing a stark reality. In recent weeks, the price they receive for their produce has...
A Glimmer of Hope with the Changes to One-Off Rural Housing Rules
Macra has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, that rules governing the construction of one-off rural homes are set to be relaxed in the coming months. The Minister has indicated that new planning guidelines aimed at liberalising the current system will be introduced in the coming weeks and will be mandatory for all local authorities. The proposed changes are expected to make it easier for people to build homes in rural areas, addressing longstanding concerns about restrictive planning rules.Macra has long campaigned for reforms to rural housing policy, highlighting the challenges many...
Unstoppable: Women Driving Progress Celebrated at International Women’s Day Lunch
Macra, in partnership with the Agricultural Science Association (ASA), hosted its third annual International Women’s Day lunch, Unstoppable: Women Driving Progress, on Thursday, 5th March 2026 at Lyrath Estate, Co. Kilkenny. Proudly supported by FBD Insurance, the event brought together leaders and professionals from across agriculture and rural Ireland to celebrate the role of women in driving progress within the sector. Held in recognition of International Women’s Day, the event combined networking, discussion and fundraising in support of Breast Cancer Ireland, with a raffle also taking place on the day. Over €8,000 was raised for the charity. Una Dillon was the...
Climate Change and Phone Bans Debated at Macra National Final
Macra’s National Debating Finals showcased the strength of young voices within the organisation, with high-quality contests in both the Novice and Senior competitions last Saturday, February 21st. In the Novice Final, Portlaoise Macra proposed the motion that mobile phones should be illegal for those under 16, with Bree Macra opposing. Bree Macra was named the overall winner. The team comprised Sarah Byrne (Chair), Edmund Casey and Mark Waters. Portlaoise Macra, represented by Sheila Keeshan (Chair), Éadaoin McEvoy and Cormac Smith, were runners-up. Sarah Byrne of Bree was awarded Best Speaker. The Senior Final saw Callan Macra propose the motion that...
Ballyhaise College Claims Top Honours at Macra & Teagasc Ag Colleges Challenge Day
The 2026 Ag Colleges Challenge Day was hosted at Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Co. Cavan on Wednesday, 11th February. The event was organised by Teagasc and Macra, and kindly supported by FRS. Seven colleges took part in a full day of practical and skills-based competitions designed to test teamwork, technical ability and problem-solving across a range of land-based disciplines. Competing teams represented Salesian College, Ballyhaise Forestry, Ballyhaise Agriculture, Mountbellew College, Kildalton College Equine, Kildalton College Agriculture and Gurteen College. Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, Stan Lalor, was present for the event and said: "The Challenges Day is an important annual initiative...