Watch: Stormont deadlock limits flood aid options - DAERA

The need to replace dead livestock, erect new fences, remove silt and stones from fields and then plough and reseed means that the bill from the recent floods runs into tens of thousands for many farmers in the northwest.

There is a consensus among those affected that more help is needed aside from that offered to date.

That has involved DAERA assisting with the removal of deadstock, making a case for a 70% advance on payments in October (rather than 50%) and allowing flooded land to remain eligible for payments this year after completing a force majeure form.

However, a DAERA spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal this week that the department has restricted options for a potential aid package.

“Due to the current political situation, a minister has not been appointed, so the Department is limited in the options available to it,” the spokesperson said.

Local politicians are lobbying the European Commission for emergency aid, but this requires an assessment of the cost of damage.

DAERA has said that aerial imagery is being used to provide information on the aftermath of the floods. However, it is unclear how accurate this information will be in quantifying actual restoration costs.

In areas affected by floods in Donegal, Teagasc has surveyed damage on a farm-to-farm basis and Irish Farm Minister Michael Creed has now confirmed that targeted support will be made available.

Advice

In NI, Mary McCormack from the Agricultural Consultants Association said that farmers need coherent advice on what work they are permitted to carry out along rivers to ensure land is not prone to flooding again this winter.

“There is a fear factor among some farmers that they will be hit with penalties if they start building up banks or dredging waterways to protect their land,” McCormack said.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) said this week that silt and stones deposited on land during floods can be moved within a farm without the need for authorisation.

However, if material leaves the farm it was deposited on, it becomes classified as waste and NIEA should be contacted as a licence may be required.

Reports suggest that many of the enquiries at a workshop organised by DAERA in Plumbridge on Monday related to the eligibility of land for Basic Payment next year. The department’s current position is that ineligible land in 2018 cannot be claimed.

“There needs to be exemptions to affected farmers. It could take some farmers years to restore land and have it eligible for support payments again,” McCormack said.

Patrick Kirk, Plumbridge

“I had at least half an acre of land disappear as the force of the water moved the river 15 yards and the river bed is now three times wider and five foot higher than before. Work is now needed to stop water coming back onto fields and more land being eroded this winter.

‘‘I recently bought the farm and new fences that were put up three weeks ago are gone. Around five acres ploughed for reseeding is covered in stones, bushes and sand.”

Drew Fleming, Gortin

“We have 2km of fencing to replace – that runs from hill ground to lowland fields. There were 75 sheep missing and only 29 were found along river banks. We are gathering up dead ones but a lot were swept away in the water and will never be found. We have 12 acres of grit and bushes to clear that were left after the flood. Two diggers and two dumpers will cost me at least £120 per hour and I don’t know how many days work is in it.”

David Lowry, Bready

“I had 20 acres of land under water at a stage. I don’t know if I should plough the silt in or if it should be lifted. It will need to be tested somewhere to see what’s actually in the material.

The river bank burst in five different places here. There was 15 acres of barley affected by heavy rain and some flooding. I’m not sure if it can be saved. If it can’t, I am probably looking at a five-figure loss.”

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