Farmers seek floods compensation

FARMERS in the Shannon and Suck river basins in the west of Ireland, who have suffered financial losses because of last month’s heavy rain which resulted in their lands being flooded, are seeking compensation from the Government for the loss of fodder.

Cattle which had been put out on grass had to be taken back indoors.

Meadows were swamped with flood waters while bagged and loose feedstuff, and in some cases hay and silage, had to be purchased.

Fianna Fáil TD Michael Finneran said the financial loss suffered by farmers in south Roscommon over a four week period will have repercussions in terms of their income for 2006.

“The Teagasc offices in Roscommon should be called in and asked to evaluate the losses and a financial package should be put together to meet those losses.”

Mr Finneran said other politicians have had similar approaches from Westmeath and Offaly and he assumed that also applies to east Galway.

Minister of State Tim O’Malley said the question of possible compensation for the financial loss incurred by farmers as a result of flooding is primarily a matter for consideration by the Department of Agriculture and Food or the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The OPW was involved in recent years in overseeing a number of humanitarian aid schemes administered on its behalf by the Irish Red Cross for the relief of those who had suffered hardship as a result of severe flooding.