Milk collection is continuing throughout Glanbia catchment areas, but due to roads being blocked by debris and fallen trees it will take longer to reach some dairy farms, a spokesperson for Glanbia has told the Irish Farmers Journal.

Storm Ellen hit Irish shores on Wednesday night, bringing gale force winds and, in the early hours of Thursday morning, caused significant damage to the electricity network.

Glanbia suppliers are asked to liaise with their milk quality manager if there is an issue due to the condition of rural roads in their area.

Operating as normal

A spokesperson for Carbery told the Irish Farmers Journal that everything was operating as normal post-storm Ellen, including milk collection.

“As always, our farmer suppliers’ wellbeing and safety is our priority. We advise them to seek assistance if needed with any storm damage and not to take any unnecessary risks in managing any clean-up.”

Power outages

The ESB has said the damage from storm Ellen is widespread, affecting more than 194,000 homes, farms and businesses.

As a result of the disruption to the electricity network, many farmers turned to power take-off (PTO) and diesel generators in order to complete Thursday morning’s milkings.

Since previous bad weather events, many farmers have invested in generators as a safeguard.

Approximately 40,000 homes, farms and businesses in Cork are without power.

The damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds.

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