2540. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of TB herd restrictions imposed in County Clare during each of the past five years. [56174/26]

I am aware of the ongoing emotional and financial challenge for Irish farmers of a Bovine TB (bTB) breakdown. In recent years there has been an increase in bTB levels nationally.

I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’ in September 2025, following extensive engagement with stakeholders. It includes 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research and veterinary expertise. Early this year a number of actions from the plan were introduced to the bTB programme for animal testing and animal movement requirements.

There has been encouraging progress in recent months in reducing bTB levels. As at 19 July 2026, over a 12-month period the national herd incidence was 5.36% down from 6.30% and the number of herds restricted was 5,324 down from 6,322. This is due to the combined efforts of all stakeholders to reduce the risk bTB poses to Irish herds and rural communities. The table below shows the number of herds restricted in County Clare, 2021 to 2025.