Minister confirms fodder support scheme for farmers on Shannon Callows is being finalised

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has today confirmed he is currently finalising details of a fodder support scheme for farmers impacted by flooding on the Shannon Callows.

This is following consultation with many of those impacted by excessive summer and ongoing flooding of Shannon Callows with Deputies Barry Cowen, Robert Troy, Anne Rabbitte and Senator Eugene Murphy when meeting with the Tánaiste in Athlone recently. The Save our Shannon group comprising farming, business and community sectors across Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon and east Galway also attended.

Due to the very challenging weather conditions this summer, some farmers were unable to save fodder crops for this coming winter and this has been compounded by the continuing wet conditions throughout the autumn period.

Minister McConalogue said: "I recognise the acute and exceptional nature of the challenge for affected farmers and have been engaging with Government colleagues in the area and will be confirming details of a scheme to support those affected in the coming days."