Support required for Louth farmers after “devastating” flooding, says local senator

Fianna Fáil Senator in Louth, Erin McGreehan, has met with the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, to discuss financial supports for farmers affected by last week’s devastating flooding in Louth.

As a result of the meeting, Minister McConalogue agreed to review schemes that have previously been implemented to help farmers affected by flooding to see if they can be adapted to help farmers in Louth cope with the destruction caused by the floods. 

Senator McGreehan said: “During the meeting, my party colleague, Minister McConalogue, acknowledged the devastation faced by Louth farmers and said he is committed to working to ensure that adequate support will be available so farmers can resume normal farming work. 

“The people of north Louth have endured a horrific time with the recent flooding, with many going days without rest to save their homes, businesses and belongings.

"I would like to again thank the many Council workers that have worked and continue to work hard on the ground as our communities try to recover.  

“I have asked for a debate in the Seanad about what exactly a community can expect from their local authorities and the state during a time of emergency such as flooding.

"I’ve asked for this debate as I have concerns that there were not sufficient personnel on the ground to support the people in the community enduring these floods.

"The Council failed to deploy Civil Defence personnel to support recovery efforts, which is concerning, especially for vulnerable people who were unable to leave their homes due to the flooding. 

 “I have also invited my party colleague, the Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, Darragh O’Brien, to visit Louth and speak to residents about how the floods were managed on the ground.”