Paul Lawless TD spoke in the Dáil: Cattle Kill Reduction and Cattle Prices: Meat Industry Ireland

Paul Lawless TD of Castlebar, Co Mayo, took to the Dáil on 21 May 2026 to speak on the issue of cattle kill reduction and cattle prices, a topic that has been raised by the Meat Industry Ireland group. In the debate he highlighted the need for measures that would help keep the supply of cattle stable while ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their livestock. Lawless noted that the current market conditions are putting pressure on producers and that any policy changes should be carefully considered to avoid unintended consequences for the industry.

The TD also used the opportunity to raise a separate concern that affects his constituents. He asked the Minister for Transport whether the Minister had been made aware of the extended waiting times that passengers experience at Manulla Junction, where the 7:28 a.m. Castlebar‑to‑Ballina train is scheduled to arrive. According to Lawless, the wait can reach up to 70 minutes for those who must transfer to the Athlone service that runs through the junction. He questioned the rationale behind the current timetable arrangement, which forces passengers to wait for the Athlone connection before they can continue to Ballina, and asked whether the Minister would request that Irish Rail review this configuration with a view to reducing the delays that affect commuters and other travellers in the region. The question was recorded in the official Oireachtas debates and reflects a broader concern among residents of Castlebar about the reliability of the rail link to Ballina.

The debate on cattle kill reduction and cattle prices was part of a wider discussion on the structural realities facing Ireland’s cattle supplies, as highlighted by the Irish Independent. While the debate itself was not accompanied by any new policy proposals, Lawless’s remarks underscored the importance of balancing market stability with the welfare of farmers. The discussion was documented in the Oireachtas record and was also reported by local media, including a coverage signal from Midwest Radio. For the full debate transcript and further details, see the Oireachtas record and the local news coverage.

Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.