Vol. 576 No. 5
188 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if officials from his Department will meet with the farmers who were very badly affected by the landslide in Pullathomas, County Mayo, to explain to them the action they must take and the way in which his Department can help them in relation to stock loses, land damage and so on; and if his Department will arrange a public meeting in that area through the local landslide committee. [29790/03]
When the Taoiseach visited the area on 23 October 2003, he was informed that there were three problems to be addressed. First, there was damage to roads and bridges. Repair works on this infrastructure have been carried out. Second, hardship was caused by the landslide to alleviate which funding of €300,000 was provided by the Government to the Red Cross. Third, issues arise about the safety and security of the mountain. These issues are being addressed by the local authority in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
I would be happy to allow my officials to discuss with the landslide committee the possible implications of the landslide for participation in my Department's direct payments, livestock schemes and REPS.
