Gildernew says snow has hit sheep farmers very hard

Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA said today she has great sympathy for farmers who lost livestock during this week's heavy snow.

The Minister said: "I have had numerous reports of many young lambs and mature sheep perishing in the unprecedented conditions. The main areas affected appear to be the Sperrins, straddling Counties Tyrone and Derry, and parts of the Glens of Antrim.

"I have instructed my officials to consider urgently what help we are in a position to give by way of advice and other support. The priority now is to get help to sheep and lambs which are marooned on high ground, where there is still a lot of snow and where the available vegetation is covered. We are doing our best to explore all possible options and have also considered air support and approached, among others, the PSNI and the coastguard. However, regrettably they are unable to assist.”

The Minister said that, apart from sheep, most other animals are still housed and have not yet been put onto pasture and this is a blessing in the circumstances.

She said: "It is at times like this when our traditional good neighbourliness comes into its own. I am aware that many farmers are going out of their way to help others through providing such assistance as specialist transport and sharing much needed fodder. I am confident that our rural community will pull together and, as always, help those with major problems through this difficult time.

“My Department is playing a role in helping those families hit worst by the bad weather and has made available Loughry Campus, in Cookstown as one of the designated support shelters. I encourage anyone within the Cookstown area who is still without power to make use of this shelter.”

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.