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Over 700 farms have been badly hit by flooding and a further 200 have been affected to some degree, the flood crisis meeting on 14 December heard. Fifty farmers have had sheds flooded and, according to Met Eireann, rainfall levels over the last week have been far higher than usual for this time of year.
It has been extremely wet across the midlands and west of the country, rainfall levels have been 150% to 200% over the average. Towards the south, they ranged from 200% to 300% above average, while parts of the east recorded levels 380% above average.
The forecast for the coming week brings more rain, but it is not expected to be near the levels that fell over the last few weeks.
Widespread flooding across the country has eased, with the water level in many rivers stabilising or receding. However, the River Shannon rose steadily until Tuesday and surrounding areas that have not yet been flooded are still under high risk.
Flood fund
While a €5m fund has been set up to help victims of flooding, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has indicated that it will not be extended to farmers because their land is outside “flood-risk areas”.
Businesses can access up to €5,000 on a self-declared basis, with a further €15,000 available for businesses that have been badly hit. When questioned on whether this will be available to farm businesses that suffered flood damage, Minister for Public Works, Simon Harris, said it will only be available to those that have rateable properties. Only some farm businesses are commercial entities and pay rates.
His Department has been working on five separate CRFAM studies for the last number of years and they are expected to be delivered in 2016. The one focusing on the Shannon covers 17,800 sq. km, 20% the area of Ireland and includes 17 counties.
“We’re currently actively looking at the options for feasible flood-risk solutions for each of these areas,” said Harris. “By mid next year, I expect to have each of the draft plans, including solutions, completed. These aren’t just plans or reports, they will come up with solutions.”
Impediments to flow
At an emergency meeting of Cloonown IFA on Thursday, 10 December, members expressed huge frustration over the lack of action from authorities in clearing the Shannon. Farmers in the Cloonown area have lived with flooding all their lives, it’s a common occurrence, particularly in summer. However, the flooding of 2009 and now 2015 has been more severe than in the past.
“It’s the middle section of the Shannon causing the problem, especially from Banagher down,” said Claffey. “This section must be restored to the level it was once at. Islands that are there now weren’t there 30 or 40 years ago. They are impediments to the flow of the river.”
The Shannon drains 20% of the land in Ireland and the farmers who live and work in the Callows believe there has not been enough work done to maintain it over the years.
“Until there is dredging and clearing done, flooding will continue to be a problem,” said Claffey. “A farmer was telling me that when he goes out fishing on the Shannon the propellor on the boat acts like an agitator in a slurry tank.
The water is so shallow, we’re talking three to four feet. It used to be 20ft to 25ft, and there were salmon hatching grounds in it.
“Most of this damage has come from Bord na Mona. All the bogs that drain into the Shannon and the surrounding area acted like sponges that absorbed the water. Now they’re not there anymore. That buffer ground is gone and water is going in to the river faster than ever before.”
Listen to an interview with John Claffey in our podcast below:
After concerns were raised over continuing cross-compliance inspections, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney announced that “sensitivity [would be] shown where flood damage is found (eg fencing missing)”.
Flexibilities are allowed in flooded areas. They include the concession to remove flood water from slatted tanks and the movement of stock to avoid a risk of animal welfare issues.
Farmers wishing to avail of these emergency arrangements should contact their local district veterinary office (DVO) as soon as possible. For further advice see page 62.
Helplines
Normal emergency numbers still apply (e.g. 112 and 999) and if there is an electical risk the ESB networks emergency number is 1850 372999.
For animal welfare related issues you can call the Teagasc helpline (for clients and non clients) on 0761 113555 or the DAFM Animal Welfare Helpline on 01 6072379 (or Call Save on 0761 064408).
If you require help from the Civil Defence, contact your local Civil Defence Officer whose details can be found on your local county council website.
Charity auction
Tractor enthusiast, Michael Fahey from Thurles, Co Tipperary, has decided to auction off his 1954 Ferguson TE20 tractor with Paul Cooke Auctions of Naas on 17 December at 7pm to raise money for those affected by flooding.
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