Farmers welcome Minister Simon Coveney's flood relief measures

The IFA and ICMSA have welcome Department of Agriculture relief measures targeting farmers worst-hit in those areas most severely affected by the recent floods.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said the latest assistance will compensate uninsured direct costs arising where livestock was lost to the floods, rental costs incurred where livestock had to be moved off farms due to potential welfare issues, and some repairs to structures and fittings.

Since December, 141 farmers have already received 380 tonnes of concentrate, worth €110,000.

To date, 330 applications have been received under the fodder aid scheme 2016.

ICMSA president John Comer said he sincerely welcomed Mr Coveney’s efforts, noting that the department had drawn up an appropriately broad scheme that would cover the different types of losses and expenses caused by the flooding.

IFA flood project chairman Tom Turley said that farmers who have experienced losses should apply immediately.