Farmers hit by landslide demand aid

FARMERS in north Mayo whose property was damaged by a freak landslide a year ago are demanding tens of thousands of euro in unpaid compensation.

Events are planned in the Pollathomas area tomorrow to mark the first anniversary of the natural disaster, which forced 40 families to flee from their homes and caused millions of euro worth of damage to the scenic community.

Large sections of bogland and debris tumbled down Dooncarton mountain in September 2003 after more than 80mm of rain fell in less than two hours and overwhelmed drainage systems.

The Department of Agriculture pledged up to €100,000 to farmers to reclaim land, build farm buildings and replace dead livestock.

Dooncarton Landslide Committee, which is made up of affected farmers, says it has been forced to borrow money to carry out repair works.

Committee chairman Gerard McDonnell said: “It’s disgraceful that the compensation is still tied up in red tape, one year on.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture said it only received clearance for grant aid in July and is processing 72 applications for the grant aid.