The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have outlined the need for farmers to prioritise safety on all storm damage repairs. In speaking on the widespread destruction inflicted by Storm Eowyn, national president Vincent Roddy encouraged farmers to plan repairs carefully and “ensure that safety is a key priority for them and for any contractor they employ.”
It is, he continued, critical that farmers and contractors recognise that many sheds and other buildings damaged in the storm will also be weakened, and it is vital that a full assessment is done on these buildings prior to the commencement of any work.”
Beyond the concerns around safety there are also concerns around the funding of possible repair works. While insurance will cover the cost for some farmers there is a concern that many farmers may not be in a position to claim from insurance.
In addressing this the INHFA leader “detailed the need for state support” and added how “this is an issue we will be addressing with Minister Heydon in addition to the immediate payment of all balancing payments such as ACRES and suckler and sheep supports.”
Roddy also called for “an extension to the sheep census, which has a closing date for postal applications of the 31st of January.” INHFA are, he added “looking for this date to be extended to the 14th of February, which is currently the closing date for online submissions.”
Finally, as many farms struggle with substantial workloads as a result of not having electricity and water, the INHFA president has called on the Minister to “halt all on-farm inspections for the next two weeks so as to not add to the considerable pressure many farmers are already under.”