Laois IFA members clear snow and ice from local health centres

placeholder image — Pictured: file photo

Laois IFA Chair Henry Burns discussed the struggles farmers face during the freezing temperatures

Members of the Laois Irish Farmers Association (Laois IFA) have donated their time to clearing frost and snow around the county.

Henry Burns, Chairperson of Laois IFA, told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that Laois IFA members have spent their time clearing the ice and snow surrounding health centres across Laois.

“We cleared the health centres and de-iced them in the last few days,” Mr Burns explained.

“We gave a hand out with machinery and manpower, we are glad to help out that way,” he said.

So far, the IFA members have cleared Mountmellick, Mountrath and Clonaslee health centres.

“We have been working closely with the HSE to help sort this issue, the health centre in Mountmellick was particularly bad. There was a lot of snow there. But we have loaders and tractors, so we are happy to help. It’s just about helping out one another,” said the Laois IFA Chair.

Pictured: File photo

The freezing temperatures have been particularly difficult on Laois’ farmers, causing cattle drinkers to freeze over.

“With the temperatures dropping, a big concern is to keep the water flowing in the cattle drinkers. Most people have plenty of feed, and ways of feeding it into the cattle, but they obviously need water every day,” Mr Burns highlighted.

“It’s to keep the drinkers flowing in the shed, and that can be problematic, especially if it drops to -6C or -7C.

“It means more manual labour, bringing in water tanks and so on. Look, its not the end of the world. So far we have been coping well,” he said.

“A particularly wet time could be harder on animals, than actual snow. If they have plenty of feed and plenty to eat they’re okay, it’s animals that mainly rely on grazing that would need extra feed.”

Pictured: Cattle drinking troughs pose the risk of freezing in low temperatures. Photo: O'Donovan Engineering

“We have been helping out a little bit in the community where we can. We told the County Manager that if there were any areas that needed help, we would help,” he said.

“So far snow has been the main issue, and it makes things awkward for farmers. It’s difficult for country-living people in general, in places where they are trying to travel along small lanes. But we have the equipment, and we have been helping to clear out roads any way we can,” Mr Burns explained.

“We have the loaders and tractors. In some areas it’s difficult for the milk lorry to pass due to the snow, but at this time of year a lot of cows are dry. It’s a time where we are at the lowest end of production, so we are lucky that way,” he said.

“We are set up for this weather, we expect winter in winter. Not making light of it, but people get organised for it. We have better equipment nowadays, but the conditions of local and minor roads would be the bigger issue for us, particularly the higher you go in the county. Unless people have to travel, they are not travelling,” Mr Burns said.

Laois IFA are appealing for people to check in on their neighbours and local elderly people in the area.

“It’s important to check in on your neighbours, particularly your farming and rural living neighbours,” Mr Burns finished.

Laois IFA will hold their annual dinner dance in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel on January 17, with tickets available for purchase from any Laois IFA member.