A Support Fund has been approved for farmers in Inishowen who suffered losses in last month’s flash flooding.
Farmers in North East Donegal will be able to avail of funding measures ranging from €250 to €15,000 for the loss of livestock, fodder and for clean-up and repairs.
The funding scheme was announced today by Michael Creed TD Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Application forms will be available shortly on the Department of Agriculture website. The scheme was approved today to provide direct support to farmers that have borne the brunt of the flooding, the Minister said.
Government Chief Whip Joe McHugh has welcomed the approval of the Support Fund for farmers affected by the storm, which was approved in a Cabinet meeting he attended today.
Minister McHugh said “I want to thank Minister Creed for visiting so many farms so quickly after the flood and for initiating a survey of the damage which was done to farms. I also want to thank him for setting up this special assistance programme.”
Minister Michael Creed
Minister Creed said: ‘I witnessed first-hand some of the very significant problems that a number of farmers experienced as a result of the sudden flooding event, when I visited North East Donegal with my colleague Minister Joe McHugh.
“I committed during my visit to supporting these farmers and I am satisfied that my Department in conjunction with other State Agencies have moved swiftly to offer practical solutions to those affected.”
Minister McHugh said that support under this measure will apply to losses of livestock, the loss of conserved fodder (Hay or Silage) and as a contribution towards the clean-up cost of agricultural lands, including repair to fences damaged by debris washed up by the floods.
A final overall amount won’t be available until all data from the current surveys are completed.
The measure builds on the availability of support through the Animal Welfare Helpline and through the advisory assistance made available by Teagasc in the region.
Minister Creed added: “While it is not possible to address all of the problems the floods caused on farms, the measures I have announced today will specifically direct support to those that have borne the brunt of the flooding.
“I would particularly like to pay tribute to the tremendous community spirit of the people in Donegal in supporting those affected by the flooding.”
Farmers will soon be able to apply for the funding from the department, with an early closing date proposed to allow prompt processing of requests for financial support.
The detailed provisions of the measure, including eligibility criteria will be set out in the application form which will be available on the Department’s website.
In the case of livestock losses including cattle, sheep or pigs; these must have been formally notified to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Regional Veterinary Office, Raphoe.
Eligible fodder losses are those lost during the floods and are limited solely to conserved hay or silage.
Agricultural land damaged by the deposition of debris or other river spoil will be eligible for a contribution towards the clear up costs for debris or other deposition so that the land can be returned to productive use.
Support will also be available for the repair of fencing damaged by floodwater.
Only losses not covered by insurance will be eligible for consideration.
Featured image by Eye in the Sky
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