The water level has risen in Kilarten, Co Galway, around the Coole Lake, according to IFA Connacht chair, Pat Murphy.
“It has stabilised a bit, but we hadn’t too much rain [on Friday night], although we had some heavy showers.” He said that the water levels had dropped by a couple of inches in surrounding areas as the water drains towards Coole Lake. However, it’s a waiting game to see what results from storm Jorge.
It was like looking out across Galway Bay to be quite honest. It was like the sea
“I’ve been told that the wind could add an inch or two,” said Murphy. “The waves will raise it too. Passing through Ballinasloe yesterday, looking out on the river Suck on the way to Dublin, it was like looking out across Galway Bay to be quite honest. It was like the sea.”
He pointed out that it could be Sunday or Monday before we know what kind of impact the weekend rainfall will have on water levels.
Impact on fodder
“For anyone that feels that they have grass lost, I would hope that Teagasc would engage with them,” said Murphy. He said that at the moment, there is no shortage of fodder. However, he said that if this weather continues for another month, fodder will start to run out and farmers should start to engage with Teagasc sooner rather than later.
Mental health
The Connacht chair talked about the toll that this weather has been having on farmers’ mental health.
“I’ve been into a few farmers this week who are under severe pressure mentally more than anything this week. The services are there - get a little bit of help. If you want to talk to somebody, please do. Some farmers feel that they have nobody to talk to. The thing is, the services are there, we are there. We can put you in contact with the Samaritans or Pieta House; just someone, a friendly face to talk to as well. We mightn’t have the answers, but we’re someone to talk to,” said Murphy.
If you are feeling under pressure, call the Samaritans on 116-123 or
Pieta House on 1800-247 247.
Read more
Be aware of fallen trees, debris and high flood waters
Storm Jorge: status yellow weather alert issued nationally
The water level has risen in Kilarten, Co Galway, around the Coole Lake, according to IFA Connacht chair, Pat Murphy.
“It has stabilised a bit, but we hadn’t too much rain [on Friday night], although we had some heavy showers.” He said that the water levels had dropped by a couple of inches in surrounding areas as the water drains towards Coole Lake. However, it’s a waiting game to see what results from storm Jorge.
It was like looking out across Galway Bay to be quite honest. It was like the sea
“I’ve been told that the wind could add an inch or two,” said Murphy. “The waves will raise it too. Passing through Ballinasloe yesterday, looking out on the river Suck on the way to Dublin, it was like looking out across Galway Bay to be quite honest. It was like the sea.”
He pointed out that it could be Sunday or Monday before we know what kind of impact the weekend rainfall will have on water levels.
Impact on fodder
“For anyone that feels that they have grass lost, I would hope that Teagasc would engage with them,” said Murphy. He said that at the moment, there is no shortage of fodder. However, he said that if this weather continues for another month, fodder will start to run out and farmers should start to engage with Teagasc sooner rather than later.
Mental health
The Connacht chair talked about the toll that this weather has been having on farmers’ mental health.
“I’ve been into a few farmers this week who are under severe pressure mentally more than anything this week. The services are there - get a little bit of help. If you want to talk to somebody, please do. Some farmers feel that they have nobody to talk to. The thing is, the services are there, we are there. We can put you in contact with the Samaritans or Pieta House; just someone, a friendly face to talk to as well. We mightn’t have the answers, but we’re someone to talk to,” said Murphy.
If you are feeling under pressure, call the Samaritans on 116-123 or
Pieta House on 1800-247 247.
Read more
Be aware of fallen trees, debris and high flood waters
Storm Jorge: status yellow weather alert issued nationally
SHARING OPTIONS