Dillon calls for grant scheme to support storm damaged Mayo farm buildings

Mayo Fine Gael TD, Alan Dillon has called on the Department of Agriculture to urgently open a grant scheme to support farmers whose buildings and equipment have been severely damaged by the recent destructive storm.

In recent days, Deputy Dillon has been contacted by farmers right across the county who have shared their stories of significant losses. One farmer reported: “Two of my farm buildings have lost their roofs entirely. Many sheds across the county remain unstable and require full re-roofing.” Another farmer highlighted: “My slatted shed has also suffered significant roof damage and will need partial replacement.”

Deputy Dillon emphasised the need for financial assistance to help farmers rebuild and replace their damaged assets.

“Storm Éowyn has left many of our farmers in a dire situation, with essential structures and equipment destroyed. It is imperative that the Department of Agriculture steps in to provide the necessary support through a dedicated grant scheme for farm buildings," he stated.

READ: STORM ÉOWYN: Where to find help in Mayo if you are without power or water

Deputy Dillon has written to his colleague, Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, TD, to advocate for the opening of this grant scheme and the inclusion of storm-related provisions in the TAMS program. He is committed to campaigning for the farming community and will continue to push for robust state support to address the challenges posed by recent severe weather events.

Cllr Michael Burke in Ballinrobe has also called for a suspension of all farm compliance inspections from the Department of Agriculture to give farmers time to tidy up their farm buildings, fencing, hedges and trees damaged by the recent storm.

“The untold damage to property will cost millions of euros to fix and weeks and months of work to get farms back to the way they were.

“I am also calling on the government to aid these farmers in the clean-up. No person could have planned or budgeted for what has happened over the past week.

“Further from that I want to commend the farmers and local volunteers who assisted Mayo County Council outdoor staff, ESB Networks and Mayo Fire Brigade among many others in keeping main roads and local roads passible following the storm. The farmers gave invaluable time last Friday morning to getting people back on the road and I hope the Government will listen to my call for a break for farmers in the coming months,” said Cllr Burke.