merrion street

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has today [Tuesday] updated cabinet colleagues on his Departments response to Hurricane Ophelia. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has been represented by senior officials at the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group (NECG) since it was convened on Sunday morning.

Referring to the Governments response to Hurricane Ophelia, Minister Creed said;

“Our immediate priority remains safety and specifically reiterating the public message that dealing with fallen trees and debris should not be undertaken without specialist expertise. I would like to remind everyone to remain vigilant and have due regard for personal safety and the safety of others during the clean up period. Please don’t take risks and report any issues to the relevant authorities, particular care should be taken with fallen power lines.”

The Departments initial assessment of the impacts on agriculture is of some structural damage caused by the high winds, flying debris and falling trees. There are also reports of farms experiencing power outages. In regards to forestry, Department forestry inspectors are currently working together with Coillte to assess the impact on forestry plantations around the country. Coillte has also advised that its forests and recreation facilities remain closed to the public today pending an assessment of the potential damage there. While fishing vessels had gone to harbour in advance of the storm there are reports of some damage to harbour infrastructure. A more comprehensive assessment of damage is being collated.

Minster Creed said;

”My Department officials and State Agencies continue to monitor the situation on the ground this morning to provide a fuller picture on the extent of the damage and further updates will be made available on my Department’s website. The offices of my Department have all reopened to the public today”.

For animal welfare issues connected with severe weather please keep in touch with your Teagasc adviser or contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Animal Welfare Helpline on:

Call Save: 0761 064408
Phone: 01 6072379