Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
958. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will provide compensation to the farmers whose lands have been negatively impacted as a result of the landslide on Shass Mountain, County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5845/21]
View answerA Multi-Agency Group was established under the chairmanship of the Minister for Heritage at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in response to this event.
Leitrim County Council engaged specialist consultants to undertake a comprehensive examination on the cause of the landslide and the impact it has had on the natural and built environment, ecology, water quality and the farming community. Officials from my Department are participating in the Multi-Agency Group and the Steering Group Meetings established to provide input to the consultants detailed report.
Following the landslide, affected farmers were reassured by my Department that their 2020 direct payment scheme payments were covered by the existing force majeure regulations in place.
Officials of my Department will continue to engage with the Multi-Agency Group and to provide any required information regarding impacts of the landslide on future scheme payments.
