Airport comes to aid of struggling farmers

Cork Airport has stepped in to help farmers still struggling with the fodder crisis.

Airport managers have allowed farmers and machinery on to the airfield to cut and bale grass growing alongside its runways. Similar grass cutting took place at Shannon and Dublin airports in recent weeks.

It will help 10 farmers in the area who, despite the recent dry, warm weather and the distribution of imported fodder stocks since mid-April when the crisis was at its worst, are still struggling.

Airport director Niall MacCarthy said the management team had been struck by the plight of the farming community.

“We are determined to help in any way possible and are delighted that weather conditions have been improving sufficiently to allow the cutting and baling of grass to get underway,” he said.

Cutting work is taking place during daylight hours without disruption to normal flight operations. The farmers are providing all the labour and machinery with airport maintenance staff providing logistical assistance and advice.