Clare MEP Criticises Import Of Eastern European Reeds For Thatching At Bunratty

Clare's MEP has criticised the decision to overlook local reed harvesters during the latest thatching works at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Clare County Council has confirmed reeds from Eastern Europe were imported to complete the repairs. Scariff Independent MEP Michael McNamara says reed cutters from Limerick have supplied Bunratty with reeds from the Shannon Estuary for more than 50 years. He says overlooking local producers could signal the end of the tradition in Ireland.