Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022
788. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the intended timeline to make payments to those affected by the landslide at Shass mountain in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57808/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, a landslide occurred on Shass Mountain, Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim on 28th June 2020. An estimated 160,000t of peat and vegetation moved downhill and spilled onto approximately 24ha of agricultural land (19 BPS claimants/landowners affected) and 12ha of forestry land (4 forestry contract holders affected).
I visited the site in November 2021 and saw first-hand the impact of the landslide. It was incredibly tough on everyone in the area. This was a hugely traumatic event for farmers and households in the area.
Following engagement between agencies, organisations and farmers, I announced an aid package on 22nd November 2022 worth €500,000 to support farmers whose land impacted by the landslide. We have moved to support farmers and landowners who have found themselves in this awful situation through no fault of their own. We will continue to stand by the farmers affected.
The package will provide financial support to those landowners whose agricultural lands were inundated with peat silt and sludge as a consequence of the overspill caused by the landslide.
Support will also be provided for fencing and gateways on agricultural land affected by the landslide. Farmers will be able to qualify for payments of up to a maximum of €20,000 each.
For the owners of forestry affected by the landslide, funding is being provided for the reconstitution of affected forest areas as part of the aid package.
The Department is writing to those affected by the landslide with details of the scheme. The attention of applicants is drawn to the closing date for the receipt of applications under the aid package which shall be Wednesday 30th November 2022. This is to ensure that payments under the Aid Package can be made as quickly as possible.
Finally, I thank the Inter Agency working group chaired by Minister Malcolm Noonan for its strong work. I also comment Leitrim County Council for its work in restoring local access and drainage following the landslide.
