Flood Damage Assessment Update

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) can confirm that work is now well underway on an assessment of the damage arising from recent flooding.

Last week Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA requested an assessment to be made of the damage caused to farming by recent flooding. We can now confirm that inspections began last week, and are continuing throughout this week.

These inspections are concentrating on the worst affected areas in the following river catchments: the Moyola, the Lagan, the Upper Bann, the Blackwater, the Maine and the Sixmilewater. Priority is being given to seed and ware potatoes and arable crops.

We would encourage farmers who have suffered damage from flooding to contact DARD, during office hours, on 028 6634 3172. Callers will be asked to provide details of their business ID; their field references, if possible and details of the crops affected. An inspector will arrange a visit to assess the damage.

Any farmer seeking technical advice should contact their local Development Adviser and look out for published management notes providing information on dealing with adverse weather conditions in the farming press.

There will also be a facility to give the same details to the department on our website.

Notes to Editors:

All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.