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In response to a parliamentary question from Wexford TD James Browne, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said as an exceptional measure in response to the storm, he directed his officials to reopen the Investment Aid Scheme.
The scheme supports capital investments in specialised horticultural equipment and buildings and is normally available to all areas of the industry.
He said: “The reopening of this scheme was targeted towards the soft fruit and amenity plant sectors, in particular, and approvals will be limited to growers that are proposing investments in response to damage caused by Storm Emma.”
Plans
Deputy Browne had asked if plans were in place to introduce a hardship fund for those who suffered significant damage but did not plan to rebuild. He also asked if a compensation scheme was in place to facilitate the removal of broken glass.
The minister said that the priority following the storm was to restore the means of production and that grant aids were made available only for works associated with construction or investment in replacement equipment.
There were no plans to facilitate the removal of broken glass, he said.
The closing date for applications under the targeted reopening of the scheme was Friday 27 April.
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