Letters to the Editor: Effect of restrictions on rural Ireland
(Editor, Meath Chronicle)
Dear sir- The heart of rural communities is being ripped out with Covid-19 restrictions that do not help stop the spread of the virus. Country sports such as hunting have been banned and churches have been forced to keep their doors shut without considering the devastating impact that this is having on small rural communities around the country.
I cannot think of a more socially distanced place to be than down the fields with your dog watching her work as she catches the scent of a pheasant. You are totally isolated from the world and even if two people are hunting together, they are out in the fresh air and can put as many acres between each other as is needed. In my own parish there are two active Gun Clubs where hunting has been a way of life for generations.
People all across rural Ireland look forward all year to the three month period during the winter months when they can get out with their dog and hunt game birds. In the darkest months of the year this is a vital way of looking after people's mental health. The joy of seeing your dog in the field is something that’s hard to describe. I am at a loss to see how hunting is banned and fully contact sports are continuing to be allowed. While we absolutely support the fact that the GAA are still operating at a county level, I cannot see how the mostly solitary pursuits of hunting are banned. This is another senseless attack on country sports.
Churches too have done everything that is necessary to ensure that people can socially distance and be safe while attending Mass. Not one single cluster of cases has been linked to Mass or churches in Ireland yet the Government continue to impose this ban. The four Catholic Archbishops of Ireland met with the Taoiseach in the last few days and have called for the reopening of the churches. We in Aontú join with the Archbishops in calling for the reopening of our churches now.
Yours,
Jack Lynch,
Aontú,
Trim.
Postmasters seek support
(Editor, Meath Chronicle)
Dear sir - Post offices provide a core asset of national infrastructure through which to support local businesses and economies during and after the COVID-19 pandemic – and Government must take action to secure this.
A report commissioned by business advisors Grant Thornton, published in September, warned of the need for action to be taken within months as the network faces ‘unrestrained closures’ in 2021.
The analysis recommended that an annual Public Service Obligation (PSO) of €17 million be introduced for the network which would represent a good investment for the State as Post Offices provide a multi-fold economic return, far in excess of the PSO level.
The report said that Post Office Network remains a highly valuable asset contributing far more to the economy than what a PSO would cost
COVID-19 has added to the challenges faced, as members reported a 25 per centy reduction in transactions in August 2020 compared to 2019. In a positive development, the IPU welcomes the recent reinstatement of all welfare payments to the option of weekly, which comes into effect this month.
The IPU is calling on the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Ministers Eamon Ryan and Hildegarde Naughton, who are the key decision makers, to implement Grant Thornton report recommendations. The post office network wants to be, and can be, part of national measures to reinvigorate local economies as we emerge from this terrible pandemic.
Yours,
Ned O’Hara,
General Secretary,
Irish Postmasters Union.
Used postage stamps appeal
(Editor, Meath Chronicle)
Dear sir- I am appealing for used postage stamps which help me raise funds which I then donate to the Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Recycling used postage stamps is such an easy way to raise money for the charity and I am always in need of all types of postage stamps, including British, Foreign and Christmas stamps.
If you are able to help I would be grateful if you could cut the stamps from their envelopes (leaving approx 1cm margin around the stamp) and send them to the address below.
Yours,
Myrna Chave,
PO Box 91,
Virginia Water,
Surrey,
GU25 9AR.