Minister visits devastated farmland

THE impact of the flooding on farms in Co Galway was seen at first hand by Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith when he visited some of the worst hit areas at the weekend.

He described the situation he had witnessed as “devastating for those involved” and said the Government was doing all in its power to alleviate the crisis.

Accompanied by officials from his department and Teagasc, he said he had assessed the situation on a number of farms which he visited.

“Having announced details of a €2 million fodder aid package, I was anxious to see how the funding can be used to best effect to help those farmers who have lost fodder in the past week,” he said.

Mr Smith said farmers and their organisations were doing outstanding work in relieving the plight of those in the worst affected areas by providing emergency supplies of fodder.

He also confirmed that, apart from providing funding, his department was anxious to assist in any practical way with the fodder distribution.

The services of other state agencies, including the Defence Forces, would be made available, if required, he said.

Meanwhile, loads of hay, silage and concentrate feed from other parts of Ireland have been delivered to flooded farms by the Irish Farmers’ Association.

It organised the emergency operation from collection and distribution centres in Gort and Ballinasloe, Co Galway, and Banagher, Co Offaly.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said further funding over and above the €2m allocated to the fodder aid scheme, must be provided by Mr Smith, if it is required as the full extent of the damage becomes clear.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association said yesterday it had also organised a convoy of fodder for the worst affected farmers in the Galway region.

ICSA rural development chairman Gabriel Gilmartin said farmers have not been found wanting. The response showed that old values are alive and well.

“However, the Government will have to step up to the plate and provide further support. The €2m already announced will not be enough,” he said.