Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed announced on Wednesday the launch of a targeted measure to provide assistance to farmers in northeast Donegal who suffered losses as a result of the recent flooding.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said: “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.”

The Department statement said “support under the measure 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 repair to fences, damaged by debris washed up by the floods. Only losses not covered by insurance will be eligible for consideration.” There is no mention of tillage farmers in the area who may have lost crops.

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.

The Minister concluded: ‘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’.

Application forms will be available shortly on the department’s website with an early closing date proposed to allow prompt processing of requests for support.