Farmers braced for impact of hurricane

Farmers are bracing themselves for the possibility that Storm Lorenzo will pass over the country in the coming days.

Teagasc standard advice to farmers is to be prepared before the arrival of any storm by securing property, checking for loose slates and moving animals into sheltered areas away from trees or buildings.

Any objects that might be blown away should be stored or tied down. Machinery should be parked well away from buildings and trees that may blow over.

During the storm, farmers, like all citizens, should follow advice and warnings from the weather and emergency services and not take risks.

Teagasc advises farmers to inspect their homes after the storm for any damage that may need urgent attention, check for any fallen electricity wires and inform ESB Networks immediately if necessary.

Farmers are also urged to check on stock and move them away from floods and fallen electricity wires and ensure they have adequate feed and water.

Teagasc has, meanwhile, postponed tomorrow’s Grass 10 event at Moorepark, Fermoy, as Lorenzo tracks towards Ireland but hopes to re-schedule it for next week.

Denis Naughten TD recently told the Dáil that farmers in the Callows have been forced to house cattle early.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said he was aware of the impact that recent bouts of unfavourable weather had on farmers in certain regions including the Shannon Callows.

He said Minister of State Kevin Moran recently announced a range of measures to alleviate flooding in the affected area.