merrion street

Following the unprecedented rainfall of earlier this week in the North West and particularly in parts of North Donegal, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D. today visited some of the worst affected areas.  Whilst some of the most significant damage was to local infrastructure, businesses and homes, the farming community was also adversely affected in many cases.

Speaking from Donegal, Minister Creed commented “I have visited a number of farms today and saw firsthand the very difficult circumstances that farm families in Donegal are experiencing as a result of this freak weather incident.  My officials are also on the ground locally monitoring the situation I have received their updates on impacts on local farms. The Department is working closely with Teagasc staff who are also making themselves available to all affected farmers to provide the most appropriate advice on how to manage these situations”.

Minister Creed stressed that his Department’s Animal Welfare helpline is available at 0761-064408 and 01-6072379 to deal with any queries or concerns in relation to animal welfare or safety concerns. The Minister emphasised that it is also important that farmers liaise with their local veterinary office where animals need to be moved urgently.

The Minister also confirmed that his Department is working closely with other Departments and Agencies as part of the cross-Government response which is coordinating the national response the extreme weather event to the issue and that Department of Agriculture officials attended the inter-agency meeting held in Dublin this morning

The Minister added “I can assure farmers whose land has been flooded and who are concerned about possible consequences in terms of eligibility for payments that a practical approach will be taken in terms of dealing with people who have been victims of these events which were completely outside of their control”.

The Minister also reiterated the need for farmers to ensure their own safety is foremost and to seek help when dealing with difficult or risky situations

In conclusion, Minister Creed “I wish to reaffirm my full support and that of my Department to farmers in the affected areas. We will continue to monitor closely with input from Teagasc the effects on agriculture in Donegal. We will also be working closely with as part of the Inter Departmental group established to deal with this unique weather event.