Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
853. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider a scheme to provide financial support to farmers and small businesses that have suffered damage in recent storms in January 2025, whose insurance policies do not cover damage caused during these weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2793/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra870. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial supports available to farmers who experienced farm damage as a result of the recent storms. [2875/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra885. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek funding from Government to provide an emergency hardship fund for farmers affected by storm damage to farm buildings and farm machinery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 853, 870 and 885 together.
My Department is working as part of the co-ordinated Government response through the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, convened by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the lead Government Department on Severe Weather Incidents.
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.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the significant assistance the farming community provided within the wider local community at this busy time as they looked in on neighbours, cleared roads, where it was safe to do so, and helped to restore access to more remote rural areas.
Unprecedented damage has been done by Storm Éowyn. I am aware of reports of significant damage in the horticulture sector. My officials are engaging with Teagasc and other stakeholders to assess the extent and significance of the damage caused. This work is ongoing as some growers are still assessing the situation and indeed the full extent of the damage caused may not become apparent until repairs commence and crops develop.
In addition to the existing structures, Minister of State Healy-Rae and I have established a Forestry Windblown Taskforce, comprising stakeholders from across the sector.
The Taskforce, which met this week, will inform my Department’s, and the wider sector’s, response to the storms, with particular emphasis on dealing safely with the large areas of forest that have been blown down.
