Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
399. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers who lost grazing will be supported by the Shannon Callows Flood Scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49966/23]
View answerFollowing exceptional flooding in the Shannon Callows during summer 2023, on the 7th November 2023, I announced the launch of the Shannon Callows Flood Scheme. The aim of the scheme is to support farmers who have been affected by fodder loss due to flooding in the region during summer 2023. I have allocated funding of approximately €800,000 which will allow for a payment rate of up to €325 per hectare for eligible LPIS parcels (i.e. grassland parcels) impacted as determined by my Department's Area Monitoring System and which were claimed by farmers on their 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application. The payment rate reflects the loss of fodder and also the loss of grazing and aftergrass.
In the coming days, my Department will be contacting the farmers the Area Monitoring System has identified as having been impacted by the flooding and providing them with a simple application form for them to sign and return if they wish to be apply for the support. Farmers will be asked to confirm they have lost fodder as a result of the extended flooding in order to receive payment. It is my intention that payments will commence in December 2023.
