LISTEN: Meeting held to discuss emergency funding for farmers affected by floods

by Gráinne Connolly

The Permanent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Noel Lavery met with local farmers on Friday, aswell as representatives from other related bodies and politicians. 

It was called to discuss the neglect of farmers impacted by recent flash floods, particularly those in the North West. 

Back in August, a huge amount of devastation was caused to local communities at the likes of recreational/community centres, football clubs, homeowners and especially farmers who's land has been destroyed and livestock even killed as a result. 

(Plumbridge drowned by floods)

(Institute FC grounds under water back in August)

Recalling the flooding, a DAERA spokesperson said: 

"DAERA reacted immediately in response to the flooding in the Glenelly and Owenkillew valleys and the Department remains focused on providing practical on the ground support for the farming community. 

The permanent secretary Noel Lavery met with farmers on the ground and instructed Departmental officials to assist with removal of fallen stock and to set up workshops to offer advice on land restoration and flood recovery. 

"Further workshops will take place today (24th Oct) and tomorrow (25th Oct) to deal with winter feeding of livestock and farm management issues to help mitigate the risk of fodder shortages on farm businesses affected by the flooding or wet weather. 

"In addition, Mr Lavery has held a number of meetings with MLA's and local representatives to explore further options to assist farmers." 

(Noel Lavery, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Deidre Mackle of Rivers Agency, Daniel McCrossan and Mark H Durkan of the SDLP and a group of farmers from Glenelly, Plumbridge and Burndennett)

In terms of funding, Mr Lavery says the department has "proactively sought and received permission" from the Euroopean Commission to raise the level of advanced CAP payment made in October from 50% to 70% of claim value to assist cash flow.

These payments began issuing on Monday 16th October, reaching bank accounts on Thursday 19th October for those who have fully verified claims.

A spokesperson concluded in saying:

"Following the closure of the force majeure process on 14 September 2017, DAERA has been carrying out an analysis of the scope of the damage caused by the flooding and looking at options on how best to further assist the farming community affected.

"This is so that the Department is in a position to present an incoming Minister with the evidence regarding options to assist affected farmers. 

"One viable option would be a hardship scheme. This would, however, require Ministerial and Executive approval.  Based on that analysis, the ability of the Department to progress any option is currently limited.”

Q Radio spoke to West Tyrone MLA, Daniel McCrossan who attended the meeting with his colleague Mark H Durkan, MP. 

Deirdre Mackle of Rivers Agency, as well as farmers from Glenelly, Plumbridge and Burndennet were also there. 

The MLA says farmers have been left "entirely isolated" with "little to no support", with the exception of guidance and support provided from DAERA's localised clinics, which is why they want to push for emergency funding.

"Very little had been done to alleviate the financial burden this has placed on them.

"Now these farmers feel they have become the ‘forgotten community’ and that is why the SDLP arranged a multi level meeting to push the case for an emergency fund for the agriculture sector.

“It’s clear that while some small measures have been taken, that these are nowhere near enough to ensure farmers are put back in the same position as they were before the flood.

"Land has been badly damaged, farm outbuildings have been destroyed while livestock has also been lost through no fault of their own."

MLA Daniel McCrossan says the situation is extremely frustrating for both Mr Lavery, the Permanent Secretary and local farmers, as an emergency fund has been unable to get the go ahead due to the non-existence of a Northern Ireland Executive. 

LISTEN- full interview with the West Tyrone MLA regarding the meeting: