No compensation is to be paid to farmers which land has been flooded under the arterial drainage schemes.

In a recent parliamentary question Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if compensation was ever paid by the Office of Public Works for farmland that was flooded under the arterial drainage schemes and if it will pay compensation to farmers whose land is continuously prone to flooding in recent years.

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Brian Hayes said: “The Arterial Drainage Acts provide for the payment of compensation by the Commissioners of Public Works for any loss or damage arising from interference with land during the construction of any drainage works under the Act.”

However he noted: “There is no provision for payment of compensation in respect of flooding of farm land. I have no plans to introduce any provision for payment of compensation by the Office of Public Works for flooding of farm land.”

“Where applicable, assistance under humanitarian aid provisions may be accessed through the Community Welfare Offices of the Department of Social Protection.”

In addition he noted that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine operates an “early warning system” whereby emergency assistance may be provided to farmers whose animals are experiencing serious animal welfare issues and where the farmer him/herself is unable to cope.

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