Be careful doing farmyard work during storms, IFA leader advises

Farm families are being urged to be especially careful when carrying out necessary farmyard work during the stormy conditions across the country.

Irish Farmers Association president John Bryan said the dangers during stormy conditions multiply around farmyards.

Older and younger family members are most at risk of being injured from falling debris or swinging gates.

Mr Bryan said the severe conditions also increased the work pressure on farms and families without electricity or other utilities.

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association president Gabriel Gilmartin earlier urged farmers to work safely.

“This is the time of year when families gather together and it is especially important to make visiting family members aware of potential farm dangers,” he said.

Macra na Feirme president, Kieran O’Dowd, has also appealed to members to call on neighbours at this time, particularly older people and those living in isolated areas, and see if they need anything.

Her said drivers also need to take more care on the roads in the harsher weather.