Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Flood Relief.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

252 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to compensate farmers in the Shannon basin who have lost fodder due to record flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1236/00]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

257 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has received a detailed and comprehensive report on the adverse economic consequences arising for farmers and householders living adjacent to the River Shannon catchment area as a result of the severe flooding in late December 1999 and early January 2000; if his Department will, in consultation with other Departments, put in place a flood relief financial package to compensate the residents for the severe losses sustained by them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1241/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 257 together.

Heavy rains in December and January resulted in extensive flooding in the Shannon catchment area as well as in some western counties. The threat of flooding has been a feature of farming especially in the Shannon basin, for many years and despite several studies and remedial plans in the past the danger of serious flooding occurring in the future remains. While some farmers have incurred fodder losses as a result of the recent flooding, the general level of fodder stocks entering the winter were satisfactory. Accordingly, I have no plans for a special fodder compensation scheme. The underlying recurring problem of Shannon flooding needs to be addressed by the formulation of comprehensive measures involving all the official agencies concerned.