Farmers urged to use safety scheme to upgrade farms
ICSA Connacht/Ulster vice-president John Flynn said the window for action is narrow, as the closing date for receipt of applications is January 9, 2015.
All work must be completed and a payment claim lodged by August 31.
“Farmers will have to act fast to plan any work that needs to be done and to get their applications in by the closing date,” he said.
Mr Flynn, who represents ICSA on the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee, said he welcomed the minister’s constructive use of funds available under the old 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme.
“Given the number of slurry-related accidents and deaths, it’s good to see that safety fencing and covers for external slurry and effluent stores are covered by the scheme,” said Mr Flynn. “And from a drystock perspective, the inclusion of sheep and cattle handling facilities is very welcome.
“However, this is only a once-off scheme and, while using this money to help farmers upgrade their safety facilities is very positive, the minister must continue to focus on education and reaching out to older farmers who may not find it easy to access farm safety resources.”
