Following 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 for LPIS parcels in the Shannon Callows Special Area of Conservation (SAC) 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.
My Department have contacted the farmers that the Area Monitoring System has 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 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 06 February 2024.
For those who did not receive an application form, the procedure for seeking an internal review, by the herdowner or their nominated or authorised agent, is available online in the Shannon Callows Flood Scheme Terms and Conditions under section 9 at gov.ie - Shannon Callows Flood Scheme 2023 (www.gov.ie)
To date, 64 requests for review have been received from farmers who were not identified by DAFM as having lands which were flooded in late summer 2023 in the Shannon Callows SAC. My officials are currently processing these requests and a decision on the outcome of these reviews will shortly issue to the herdowners concerned.
