Donegal farmers ‘need aid package’ after storm

Further calls have been made on the Government to come to the aid of farmers in Donegal who have been adversely affected by last week’s rain storm.

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has called for a practical and immediate aid package for farmers who have suffered devastating losses.

President John Comer said the aid should initially focus on those farmers who have lost livestock and winter fodder or have suffered damage to their land or buildings.

He said these so-called ‘Once-A-Century’ events are starting to look like they’ll be occurring much more frequently.

“We’re going to have to develop and work on systems that will ensure that the people affected are given every support possible to get their homes, farms and businesses repaired and back to a normal condition as quickly as possible”, he said.

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association president Patrick Kent has called on the Department of Agriculture to guarantee that all payments under the Rural Development Programme will now be made on time,

“High rainfall levels left many farmers struggling to cope with flooded fields, damaged infrastructures and lost livestock. Others were unable to harvest spring crops and there is silage still to be cut,” he said.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed, who earlier visited Donegal, reaffirmed his full support and that of his department to farmers in the affected areas.

Irish Farmers Association president Joe Healy, speaking after surveying the damage caused during a visit to Inishowen, said farmers are facing ruin because of the losses they have suffered.