Corkey Plough-On Meeting with NI Affairs Committee Chair

The informal forum, organised by Karen Arbuckle (Leader of Corkey Plough-On) and volunteer Sandra Hunter, created a valuable space for open discussion on the key issues shaping rural life, ensuring grassroots perspectives were heard directly by a senior parliamentarian.

Held at the Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-Op, the event drew around 80 participants, including members from Corkey, Coagh, Killead, The Grange, and Glack Plough-On Groups, as well as representatives from Rural Support, Women in Agriculture, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Lough Neagh Development Trust, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, and the Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-Op.

From the outset, Ms Antoniazzi brought warmth and openness to the conversation, sharing her personal journey into politics, her “glass half full” outlook, and her commitment to her constituency and parliamentary committee work. She reiterated her dedication to listening directly to rural communities, emphasising how their insights inform the ongoing work of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.

Guided by North Antrim farmer Brian Jamieson, discussions ranged across critical topics including inheritance tax, the impact of Brexit, and the environmental challenges facing Lough Neagh. Participants spoke passionately about both natural pressures—such as disease and extreme weather—and human influences including planning, urban expansion and pollution.

Concerns were also raised about food quality standards in schools and hospitals, as well as the potential impact on Northern Ireland’s tourism sector if proposed property rate changes for pubs and inns proceed. Across the room, there was strong consensus that farmers are part of the solution and must be central to policy development—and that “insufficient funding” should no longer be used to justify inaction by some government departments.

Ms Antoniazzi commended the exceptional work ethic and resilience of farmers and fishermen, acknowledging the significant pressures they have faced over the past year and beyond. She highlighted the ongoing uncertainty and the complex mix of financial, policy-related, emotional, and social challenges that rural communities navigate daily—pressures that too often go unrecognised.

Reflecting on the perspectives shared, she stressed the importance of open dialogue forums and reaffirmed her belief in the essential role of government in addressing these issues.

Closing the session, Gyles Dawson, Joint Interim CEO of Rural Support, thanked Ms Antoniazzi for her candour, time, and genuine interest in hearing directly from those on the ground. He also expressed appreciation to all attendees for their thoughtful contributions throughout the morning.

Participants then enjoyed a locally sourced lunch showcasing the best of Lough Neagh produce—dollaghan, smoked eels, and Lough Neagh Smoked Trout, the co- operative’s newest specialty—before taking a guided tour of the eel fishery led by Kathleen McBride, CEO of the Co-Op, and members of its Board.