Support for Shannon Callows Timely, But Deeper Flooding Issues Must be Addressed

IFA President Tim Cullinan has acknowledged the support for farmers in the Shannon Callows who have suffered significant losses because of the flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

IFA had raised the issue during the summer when crops were threatened.

He said the move by Minister Charlie McConalogue to provide €325/ha will go some way to alleviating the hardship caused by the weather conditions.

“It’s important that the funding is released as soon as possible and that the conditions to apply are not too onerous,” he said.

Tim Cullinan said the lack of action taken to prevent flooding on the Shannon Callows is something that will have to be addressed by the authorities.

The concerns about flooding were raised by IFA with the OPW as far back as July, but not enough was done.

“The lack of action taken by the management authorities of the River Shannon is not acceptable. The damage done by the flooding meant thousands of acres of silage and hay were destroyed and unsalvageable,” Tim Cullinan said.

“In the longer term, an agency must be established which would include local farmers to manage the River Shannon to rectify the problems. This must be established without delay and cannot be put on the long finger anymore,” Tim Cullinan said.