Some 377 applications were received by the Department of Agriculture under the Fodder Aid Scheme which was open between January 7 and 22 for flood-stricken farmers.

Payments totalling over €600,000 have been paid to date to applicants.

On average, flood-hit farmers who suffered fodder losses have received €1,591, to date.

The Department has said that on-farm verification is still ongoing to confirm the quantities of fodder lost due to flooding.

Meanwhile, over 130 applications have been received by the Department under the Emergency Flood Damage Relief Measure.

There are claims under each of the three categories provided for:

  • Direct costs arising where livestock was lost to the floods.
  • Rental costs incurred where livestock had to be moved off farms and into alternative premises due to potential welfare issues.
  • Flood damage to agricultural structures and fittings.

The Department confirmed that at present, eligibility checks are being carried out on applications and they are being processed for on-farm verification as appropriate.

Work is ongoing in the Department to ensure the timely processing of payments.

Regarding the payments, the Department has said that it is not possible to estimate how much money will be spent as most applications describe what is being claimed for but are not required to include an estimate on the cost.

The cost will be determined when the eligibility checks and the on-farm verification procedure have been completed, it said.