By Q Radio news
Flooding
Stormont minister, Edwin Poots has announced almost £3.5m financial support for farmers impacted by flooding in the north west in 2017.
The scheme will open in the summer and will be capped at £106,000 per farm.
Minister Poots said: “In March, I visited the Glenelly area and heard directly from some of the farmers who experienced the flooding in 2017.
They talked about the financial loss they incurred, the challenges faced restoring land back to productivity and the negative impact this unique severe weather event had on them both emotionally and mentally.
Seeing one’s business washed away in the blink of an eye has caused immense distress to this community.
“The sustainability of their farm businesses, already operating in challenging environmental and market conditions, was clearly and severely impacted and therefore I am pleased to announce a ‘one off’ payment of almost £3.5million in assistance to these farmers, as a contribution towards the losses experienced in 2017.”
Farm businesses that made au Force Majeure application following the flooding in 2017 are eligible to apply for the scheme, which is capped at £106,000 per farm business.
The Minister concluded, “I recognise the hardship incurred by the farming and wider rural communities following the flooding in August 2017.
While this fund will not undo the emotional and mental challenges they have faced, I do hope it goes some way to easing the financial losses they have suffered.”
More information about the Scheme will be published on the DAERA website before it opens.
Robin Swann votes against budget and warns it could see health services collapse
Trial ends after man accused of murder of young showjumper is found dead
A brief hearing and chaotic scenes as Donaldson makes first court appearance
More than 300 arrested for suspected stalking in Northern Ireland in two years
Three people in hospital following road accident near Ballygawley