Minister for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has welcomed confirmation from Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue that he is currently finalising the details of a fodder support scheme for farmers impacted by flooding on the Shannon Callows.
This is following consultation with many of those impacted by excessive summer and ongoing flooding of the Shannon Callows, with Minister Rabbitte, Deputies Barry Cowen and Robert Troy, and Senator Eugene Murphy when meeting with Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Athlone recently.
The ‘Save our Shannon’ group comprising farming, business & community sectors across East Galway, Offaly, Westmeath, and Roscommon also attended.
Due to the very challenging weather conditions this summer, some farmers were unable to save fodder crops for this coming winter and this has been compounded by the continuing wet conditions throughout the Autumn period.
Minister Rabbitte commented:
This is very welcome news for farmers and farm families in the Shannon Callows. Flooding greatly impacts many people across Galway East and is an issue I have consistently campaigned on over the last decade.
As we head into the stormy winter months, fears surface once again over what damage may occur this year to farms as heavy rain and winds land.
I have a lot of farmers getting in touch fearful of what’s in store and I’ve been advocating to Minister McConalogue that the Department of Agriculture needs to support these people.
A fodder support scheme for farmers impacted by flooding on the Shannon Callows will ease the pressure on people, and demonstrates that the Government is listening and wants to support farm families.
I thank my colleague Minister McConalogue for been proactive in addressing these issues.
Minister McConalogue said:
I recognise the acute and exceptional nature of the challenge for affected farmers and have been engaging with Government colleagues in the area and will be confirming details of a scheme to support those affected in the coming days.
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