Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 7 September 2026
2750. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is considering the introduction of any financial support measures for farmers whose grazing lands, fencing or other agricultural assets were damaged during the recent wildfires on Slievenamon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62490/26]
View answer2751. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether farmers affected by the recent wildfires on Slievenamon will continue to receive payments under the basic income support for sustainability (BISS) scheme, ACRES and other Department schemes where land damage occurred through circumstances entirely outside their control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62489/26]
View answer2752. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a clear assurance that farmers who were not responsible for the recent wildfires on Slievenamon, County Tipperary, will not face financial penalties, payment reductions, scheme sanctions or other adverse consequences arising from the fires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62491/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2750, 2751 and 2752 together.
I would like to acknowledge the efforts by all involved in containing the recent wildfires on Slievenamon, and in particular the work done both by farmers and by Coillte in the area to assist the fire service. Their efforts were critical to minimising the damage from the fires and proved very valuable to the whole community.
Ordinarily, land burnt in the closed period is not eligible for payments – this has long been in place and continues to be the status quo. In circumstances where lands are burnt during the closed period, but where the applicant has not been responsible for setting the fire or engaging another party to do so my Department will consider an application under Force Majeure.
The normal procedure in such cases is that the applicant should seek Force Majeure from my Department in writing within 15 working days of the date of being in a position to do so (if the application has been submitted) or at the same time as the application is submitted online (if the application has not been submitted).
Where an applicant submits clear evidence to demonstrate that they are not responsible my Department may consider removing any penalties or in duly justified situations the lands may be considered eligible under Force Majeure.
In the specific instance of the recent fires on Slievenamon, my Department is engaging with farm representative bodies, farmers and farm advisory services given the number of farms affected and the exceptional drought conditions that were in place at the time of the fires. The aim of these engagements is to avoid the situation where the eligibility of land is affected through no fault of the farmer.
There are no plans at present to provide specific supports to farmers for loss of grazing lands, fencing or other agricultural assets in the Slievenamon area as a result of the fires. Each farmer should contact their insurance provider in the first instance to seek compensation for damage done to their farms in the usual way.
I note that my colleague, Minister of State Collins is visiting Slievenamon to see the affected sites.
