IFA meets minister on storm damage

An IFA delegation, led by President Eddie Downey and Clare chairman, Andrew Dundas, met with the Minister of State for the OPW, Simon Harris on Wednesday  to press for the repair of embankments damaged in the severe storms of early 2014.

IFA has secured a commitment from Minister Harris that he will move this issue on over the coming weeks so that the necessary works can commence.

Eddie Downey told the minister that farmers’ lands have been damaged and that the repairs of embankments are necessary to get the land back into production.

The delegation told the minister that delays are intolerable and it is not acceptable that there is nobody making a firm decision on the issue. The OPW should take responsibility to ensure that farmers and properties are protected and should instruct Clare County Council that support will be forthcoming through the various schemes under the OPW’s control.

Clare IFA chairman, Andrew Dundas said there is huge frustration among farmers in the areas adjacent to the Shannon Estuary and the West Clare coastline that this issue has dragged on.

The IFA delegation also included the Association’s Flood Project chairman, Tom Turley; Clare Rural Development representative, Seamus Murphy and Kilkee farmer, Willie Hanrahan.
The IFA delegation with Minister Simon Harrism. (l-r): Seamus Murphy, Clare IFA; Willie Hanrahan, Kilkee; IFA president Eddie Downey; Minister Simon Harris; IFA Flood Project Team chairman Tom Turley and Andrew Dundas, Clare IFA chairman.