Flood-hit farmer’s relief at funding after nearly four years of struggle

A CRANAGH farmer affected by a devastating landslide almost four years ago has spoken of the “struggle” endured by local people since the deluge. Hundreds of acres of ground were severely damaged in the Glenelly Valley by torrential rain on the night of August 22-23, 2017.

Although the plight of farmers struck a chord with many, their determined battle for compensation seemed destined for failure. However, at the end of last month, Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots, finally announced a £3.5 million package for the farmers. It means that they can finally get some recompense for the thousands of pounds spent re-ploughing and repairing the badly damaged land.

Among them was Cranagh man, Dermot O’Brien He told the UH times “that the battle for the funding was at times very disheartening”.

“It has definitely been a massive struggle for all of us during the past four years or so,” said Mr O’Brien. “We have been disheartened so many times by a lack of progress despite the promises that were made.

We looked across at sheep farmers in Inishowen who were also badly affected by the floods of 2017 and they had got their compensation within weeks or months. Yet here we were years on and still nothing was coming forward.”

“The damage to the land was absolutely terrible,” Mr O’Brien continued. “Thousands of pounds was spent trying to help the land recover.”

Mr O’Brien believes the situation finally reached a turning point when the Agriculture Minister arrived in the area to see the damage for himself. “The work of Victor Chestnutt from the Ulster Farmers Union and Assembly member, Declan McAleer, was vital in helping to secure this money,” he added.

Making the announcement, Mr Poots said he recognised the hardship which had been caused to the farmers. “While this fund will not undo the emotional and mental challenges they have faced, I do hope it goes some way to easing the financial losses they have suffered,” he said. Farm businesses that made a Force Majeure application following the flooding are eligible to apply for the scheme, which is capped at £106,000 per farm business.