Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
493. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to Shannon Callows flooding scheme, the reason the farmers along the Suck Callows, Cross River and the little Brosna River have been excluded from the scheme despite the fact that the lands have been flooded due to the upstream flow of waters from the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3011/24]
View answerFollowing exceptional flooding in the Shannon Callows during summer 2023, on 7 November 2023 I announced the launch of the Shannon Callows Flood Scheme. The aim of the scheme is to support farmers who have lost fodder 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. This is for LPIS parcels in the Shannon Callows impacted as determined by my Department's Earth Observation team, utilising the Area Monitoring System, and which were claimed by farmers on their 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application.
My Department has contacted the farmers that the Earth Observation team, utilising the Area Monitoring System, identified as having been impacted by the flooding, providing them with a simple application form for them to sign and return if they wish to apply for the support. Farmers are asked to confirm they have lost fodder as a result of the exceptional flooding in order to receive payment.
A small number of LPIS parcels along the River Suck, Cross River and the Little Brosna River that are within the Shannon Callows area are included within the Shannon's Callows Flood Scheme.
A total of 230 expression of interest letters including the application form were issued on the 17 November 2023 and a further 47 expression of interest letters including the application form issued on the 7 December 2023, with 268 out of 277 paid as of 19 January 2024.
