Weather 'hammering farmers' and causing 'untold stress' on Laois farms
Laois & Offaly farmers need help due to weather insists Charlie Flanagan
Farmers across Laois and Offaly must be supported in the face of weather conditions that are creating significant pressures on farms, insists Charlie Flanagan TD.
The Fine Gael TD said a difficult autumn in 2023 and persistent rain this spring have delayed livestock turnout, disrupted spring plantings, and caused difficulties with other fieldwork. He said Met Éireann has recorded significant rainfall throughout the month.
While, the Government TD said agriculture is important to the local economy and that Fine Gael is committed to delivering for rural Ireland and farmers, he said the farmers are suffering.
"Right now, weather conditions are hammering farmer morale and we are moving into an unprecedented territory on farms. Farmers are acting responsibly but the reality is that the weather is preventing livestock turnout, spring planting, and other fielding right across the country, including across Laois and Offaly.
“This is causing untold stress for farmers who are trying to manage a difficult situation. I welcome the pausing of all non-essential farm inspection until 22 April to provide farmers with breathing space. We are in a position where every and all option to support them needs to be considered if these difficult conditions persist,” he said.
Pictured: Charlie Flanagan walks the land during a previous weather crisis in Laois.
He said Fine Gael Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon has said that any measure which could offer a reprieve for farmers until the conditions improve was being looked at.
The Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has suspended some inspections but has not said there will be support for fodder costs or that scheme payments will be brought forward or that outstanding payments will be paid.