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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, TD, today drew attention to the support being provided by his Department to those most affected by fodder losses due to recent flooding. He said "My Department and Teagasc have been out on the ground and identified approximately 80 farmers who have been most affected by fodder losses. These farmers are receiving emergency fodder supplies. The assistance we are providing is modest but important for those hardest hit by these floods. I am particularly anxious to ensure that we avoid animal welfare problems arising from loss of fodder in the floods. "

The Minister went on to say that his Department's helpline (Call save 0761 064408 or 01 607 2379) remains open and farmers with significant fodder losses or animal welfare concerns can avail of it.

The Minister also confirmed that flexibilities introduced to facilitate the removal of water from flooded slurry tanks and the movement of animals for welfare reasons in areas worst affected by the flooding remain in place.

Minister Coveney repeated his safety message to farmers saying ‘It is important to be extra vigilant when accessing flooded lands as there are hidden dangers, if you have to cross flooded lands by foot use walking poles to feel the ground ahead and seek assistance in rescuing stranded animals’.

ENDS