Vol. 513 No. 2
70 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to compensate farmers who have lost fodder and aftergrass due to the autumn and winter flooding in the Shannon basin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2110/00]
As indicated in reply to Questions Nos. 252 and 257 on 26 January 2000, 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 the Shannon flooding needs to be addressed by the formulation of comprehensive measures involving all the official agencies concerned.
