A support measure for flood-hit farmers in northeast Co. Donegal has been revealed this afternoon by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed.

It is hoped the support measures will provide assistance to farmers who suffered losses as a result of the brief but severe flooding in the area last month.

Minister Creed witnessed the “very significant problems that a number of farmers experienced as a result of the sudden flooding event” when he visited the area.

I committed during my visit to supporting these farmers and I am satisfied that my department, in conjunction with other state agencies, has moved swiftly to offer practical solutions to those affected.

“Following positive discussions at cabinet this morning, I am pleased to announce this initiative to support the small number of farmers around the Inishowen Peninsula, who bore the brunt of last month’s unprecedented rainfall.

“This measure will provide farmers who were significantly affected by the flooding with a financial contribution towards losses or damage sustained,” Minister Creed said.

Under this measure, support will apply to: losses of livestock; the loss of conserved fodder (hay or silage); and as a contribution towards the clean-up cost of agricultural lands – including the repair of fences – damaged by debris washed up by the floods.

Only losses not covered by insurance will be eligible for consideration, the department explained.

The measure builds on the availability of support through the Animal Welfare Helpline and through the advisory assistance made available by Teagasc in the region, it added.

Concluding, Minister Creed said: “While it is not possible to address all of the problems the floods caused on farms, the measures I have announced today will specifically direct support to those that have borne the brunt of the flooding.

“I would particularly like to pay tribute to the tremendous community spirit of the people in Donegal in supporting those affected by the flooding.”

It is understood that application forms for the support measure will be available shortly. An early closing date is believed to have been proposed, to allow prompt processing of requests for support.