Minister launches Cooley Flood Damage Relief Scheme

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, T.D., has announced a support scheme for farmers in the Cooley Peninsula that were impacted by a severe storm in late 2023.

At the end of October/early November 2023 there was an exceptional storm in the Cooley Peninsula which resulted in extensive damage to agricultural lands, fencing and gateways in addition to stored fodder and fertiliser and other damage.

The Minister commented:

“I’m acutely aware of the impact the severe weather had on farms in the Cooley Peninsula. This support scheme will assist farmers to make good the damage caused to lands, infrastructure and assist with any loss of feed and fertiliser that may have occurred.”

The scheme will provide financial assistance to farmers towards the costs relating to:

• restoration of agricultural land,

• loss/damage to fodder / fertiliser

• and repair/replacement to damaged fencing/ gateways /farm roadways/lane ways

Commenting on this scheme, the Minister said:

“While the impact of the weather event was in a relatively small part of the Cooley Peninsula, the damage caused was significant. This scheme is a critical support to the farmers of that region.”

The Minister concluded:

“I would encourage impacted farmer to apply and provide any necessary supporting documents to allow the applications to be processed in a timely manner.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Application packs will be posted to those farmers who have already made themselves known to the Department in the coming days.

• For those farmers who have not yet contacted the Department, application forms and Terms and Conditions are available on the Department’s website: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/73aea-schemes-and-services-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/

• Application forms must be submitted by 31st July 2024

• Any queries with regard to the scheme can be directed to:

o Phone (057) 8674422

o Email: Floodrelief@agriculture.gov.ie