Fodder deliveries to farms get under way amid calls for urgency
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) organised the supplies to places where farmyards, dwelling houses, cattle sheds and access roads are all flooded.
Fodder supplies are being brought to Gort, Ballinasloe and Banagher in an operation co-ordinated by the IFA office in Athenry.
Branches of the IFA, who are in touch with farmers whose property is flooded, are helping to organise the resources needed to safeguard livestock and ensure they have enough feed.
IFA leader Padraig Walshe said sufficient fodder has been sourced in the short term for worst affected farmers but he warned the problem may deepen during the winter and a more concerted effort may be needed, utilising all 947 IFA branches.
Mr Walshe thanked farmers from all around the country who have already generously provided and offered fodder.
Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association president Jackie Cahill said the Government funding was welcome, but more urgency is needed about the delivery of aid.
He praised Teagasc for its direct help to farmers.
Mr Cahill called for a system similar to that of the HSE community officers, where decision-making was instantaneous and aid delivered quickly.
Mr Cahill said the ICMSA has already had preliminary discussions with the Irish Grain and Feed Association on this matter and was in contact with Environment Minister John Gormley on the question of animal housing and winter storage.
He said half of the worst cases are located in the Gort-Athenry region with the next most affected areas being Longford and Westmeath. Clare and Cavan are also severely hit.
