Teagasc announced that it will provide a service to families affected by farm accidents to assist them cope in the immediate aftermath.

The Tragic Event Service for Family Farms (TESFF) was launched today at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Co Offaly.

The service will be on a case-by-case basis and can be accessed by the family contacting their local Teagasc office. It will be a free service and will deal with technical, management and scheme assistance.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Tom Kelly, head of knowledge transfer in Teagasc, said: “In the event of a tragic event, be it a severe injury or a farm death, we want to make sure those left to run the farm are given advice on how to manage the farm in terms of financial planning,day to day working on the farm or structural changes that may be required.’’

Local support

Dr Kelly added: “The consequences of a farm accident isn’t something you plan for and you shouldn’t have to plan for it.

“While community support is always evident in the aftermath of a tragedy, in the weeks and months after this tends to drop off. The local adviser generally would have some knowledge of the family and the farm or the locality and can be in a good position to offer support.”

Speaking at the launch, Professor Gerry Boyle, director of Teagasc, said: “Teagasc is delighted to provide this service in association with Embrace Farm and the farm safety partnership. This is a very difficult time for farm families who are unfortunate enough to be victims of farm accidents and Teagasc will help out in any way possible with this new service.”