FODDER DROPS:AS THE first stocks of fodder for farm stock trapped in flooding in the west and midlands began delivery under an IFA emergency plan yesterday, Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith rejected criticism that he failed to visit south Galway.
Mr Smith said that he wanted to deal with the problems on the ground “quickly and effectively”, while acknowledging that his visit last weekend to assess flooding in the Erne and Shannon was within his own constituency. However, IFA environment spokesman and south Galway farmer Michael Kelly said it was “appalling” Mr Smith had not visited the worst affected agricultural area.
“We have 20 farmers in my area alone who are cut-off, and one man has to walk his kids a mile across a wet field to school,” Mr Kelly said.
“Words cannot describe the devastation. Even when the waters do recede, it will be at least eight weeks before life can return to normal – if ever – and that depends on weather patterns,” he said.
The first delivery of silage to one of three designated delivery points for fodder – Labane, south Galway – arrived at 2am yesterday. This was followed by 1,000 bales of hay donated from the east. The IFA said yesterday it had been inundated with offers, and did not need any more for the present.
The largest donor was Larry Goodman, who gave 45 tonne trucks of hay and silage to the IFA distribution centres in Labane and Ballinasloe in Co Galway, and Banagher, Co Offaly.
“We had 10 contractors volunteer and dozens of people from the community who want to help, and we are overwhelmed by the response,” Mr Kelly said. “The whole fabric of our location – with schools closed, roads closed and people having to drive miles to get around – is destroyed at the moment.”
Peterswell farmer Michael Morgan got 500 bales of hay for his 30 animals. Mr Morgan has been completely cut-off at his farm since last Tuesday and he was also scathing yesterday in his criticism of the Minister.
Mr Smith said officials from Teagasc had been on the ground since late last week and he was being briefed up to twice a day.