Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
555. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department's flood damage relief measures support scheme for flood-damaged farms in north-east County Donegal includes damage to farm roads, tillage crops destroyed, potato crops destroyed, second cut silage destroyed, loss of grazing and the replacement of fencing destroyed by the floods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39757/17]
View answerAs the Deputy may know, I visited the Inishowen Peninsula with my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Joe McHugh, following the exceptional rainfall of August 22 last to see at first hand some of the very significant problems that a number of farmers faced as a result. I committed during my visit to supporting these farmers, and my Department in conjunction with other State Agencies moved swiftly to offer practical solutions to those affected.
In the immediate aftermath of the flood, I prioritised the availability of support by means of the Animal Welfare Helpline which gives guidance on protecting animal welfare and safety in addition to responding to urgent requirements for emergency feed provision. Staff from my Department and from Teagasc were in the area; Teagasc provided advice to affected farmers in dealing with the immediate challenges that arose.
It is clear that the principal and most widespread impacts of the floods on farms in the Inishowen Peninsula centred on damage to land, fencing, fodder and livestock. To address these pressing issues in the most effective manner, I introduced a targeted measure of assistance.
Support under this measure will apply to losses of livestock, 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. The measure will be subject to the provisions of EU de-minimis state aid rules in the agriculture sector and only losses not covered by insurance will be eligible for consideration.
While it is not possible to address all of the problems the unprecedented rainfall caused on farms in Inishowen, this measure will address the principal impacts on those farmers most affected.
Application forms are now available on my Department's website or from the Direct Payments Unit (Flood Damage Relief Measure), Government Offices, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, County Laois. There is also a dedicated helpline and email address, (057) 8674456 and floodreliefscheme@agriculture.gov.ie to support those farmers who wish to make an application.
The closing date for applications is Friday 29 September to allow for prompt processing of requests for support.
