Call For Minister To Take Urgent Action For Struggling Farmers

SDLP Leader Dr. Alasdair McDonnell has called on the Minister for Agriculture Michelle O'Neill to take urgent action for farmers who are struggling as a result of the extreme weather conditions.

Dr. McDonnell said: "The Minister for Agriculture must act urgently to do all that is necessary to save the many animals that are in danger due to the adverse weather conditions.

"Farmers are in the middle of the lambing season and will no doubt feel extremely concerned that their livestock will be unable to survive during the severe weather.

"We are already hearing extremely tragic cases of a lambing shed collapsing due to the heavy snow fall and animals distressed because of a lack of food.

"Farmers have already had a challenging number of years and any loss of animals, damage to farming equipment and or buildings would be financially devastating."

Ulster Farmers Union Deputy President Barclay Bell said: "This has been a very tough couple of days for many farming families. The heavy snow and high winds came at the worst possible time for many farmers who are lambing sheep. They have gone to great lengths to get animals indoors and out of the elements. The snow has also caused serious problems for some rural families living in isolated areas. Great efforts have been made to clear roads and ensure families have not been cut off. I want to praise our members for braving the elements in the past few days to ensure animal health and welfare was protected and to make sure the disruption to their families and neighbours was kept to a minimum. The resilience of the farming community always comes to the fore in these type of circumstances."

(CD)