Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
867. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will make emergency relief funding available to organic farmers and growers following damage to their polytunnels during Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2712/25]
View answerStorm Éowyn has resulted in unprecedented damage to homes, farms and businesses across the country. I am aware of reports of significant levels of damage across the Irish horticulture sector.
My officials are engaging with Teagasc and other stakeholders to assess the extent and significance of the damage across the sector. It may be a number of weeks before the full extent of the damage is known.
My colleague, Minister of State for Forestry, Horticulture and Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae will meet with representatives of all the horticulture sub-sectors at a meeting of the Horticulture Industry Forum in early February. This meeting will give an opportunity to grower representatives to relay to Minister Healy-Rae the particular impacts of the storm on their sectors.
The National Emergency Coordination Group continues to coordinate the intensive work across the whole of government to restore power, water, telecommunications and other services to homes, farms and businesses.
