Farmers lead protest to highlight government inaction on flood risk

With the threat of winter flooding on the horizon, the IFA has urged the Government to set out an immediate plan of action, including timelines, for works to minimise the risk of flood damage.

Hundreds of farmers from Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon, Offaly, Westmeath, Galway, and Clare attended a protest yesterday outside the Civic Offices in Athlone, Co Westmeath, to coincide with the OPW public consultation on the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management plan.

IFA president Joe Healy said farmers are angry no work has yet proceeded to avoid the recurrence of the severe floods of last winter.