"Up to this point in time, there has been sufficient fodder availability in the country," Minister Creed told RTÉ's Morning Ireland show. He said that sale offers on online platforms show "a clear availability" of fodder, but acknowledged that further options needed to be considered if soil temperatures and grass growth didn't improve in the coming days.

He announced a meeting with co-ops this Wednesday morning to "look at the further option of sourcing fodder abroad", adding that some co-ops were actively working on it.

ICOS said this Wednesday that several co-ops were sourcing imports of fodder from abroad. "We are now at a situation where weather over the next seven to ten days will be critical. If the weather does improve, grass growth will resume and the situation will be largely resolved. If not, the situation will be very serious," ICOS president Martin Kean said.

I don't think it's fair to say that I'm in denial

"I understand the frustration of farmers who normally have cattle out," Minister Creed said. "I don't think it's fair to say that I'm in denial on this question."

He added that he had received assurances from co-ops that they would not tighten credit terms, adding that he would meet the banks on this point too.

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'There is a clear availability of fodder in the country' – Creed

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has said his Departments and co-ops were considering importing fodder in case weather conditions didn't improve, but supplies are currently available in Ireland.