Financial relief for flood affected north Louth farmers
Support scheme for farmers in Cooley impacted by a severe storm in late 2023 opened
A support scheme for farmers in the Cooley Peninsula that were impacted by a severe storm at the end of October/early November 2023, has now opened.
The storm resulted in extensive damage to agricultural lands, fencing and gateways in addition to stored fodder and fertiliser and other damage.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, TD has announced the support scheme, which will provide financial assistance to farmers towards the costs relating to: restoration of agricultural land; loss/damage to fodder/ fertiliser; and repair/replacement to damaged fencing/ gateways /farm roadways/lane ways.
Applications for the Cooley Flood Damage Relief measure open today, 17 July, offering affected farmers the opportunity to seek assistance for the damages incurred during the period of 29 October to 4 November 2023. The closing date for applications is set for 31 July.
For those farmers who have not yet contacted the Department, application forms and Terms and Conditions are available on the Department’s website: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/73aea-schemes-and-services-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/
Making the announcement, the Minister commented: “I’m acutely aware of the impact the severe weather had on farms in the Cooley Peninsula. This support scheme will assist farmers to make good the damage caused to lands, infrastructure and assist with any loss of feed and fertiliser that may have occurred.”
He continued. "while the impact of the weather event was in a relatively small part of the Cooley Peninsula, the damage caused was significant. This scheme is a critical support to the farmers of that region. I would encourage impacted farmers to apply and provide any necessary supporting documents to allow the applications to be processed in a timely manner.”
Louth based Senator Erin McGreehan, has welcomed confirmation that the application process for the scheme is open, and says that since last winter's storm, she has been working to ensure that the farming families who faced significant financial challenges in recovering from the aftermath would receive financial support.
Senator McGreehan commented, “I am very grateful to Minister Charlie McConalogue for his support and commitment to the farming community. By creating the funding measure, he has ensured that the financial burden placed on farming families who were severely impacted by the natural disaster will most definitely be alleviated”. Senator McGreehan has added that she can provide farmers with the application forms or any assistance if needed.”