Question

Diminishing water supplies-farmers worried

Answer 1

biggest issue facing Wicklow farmers during Storm Emma will be water supply.

County Wicklow IFA Chariman Chris Hill told the Bray People this week said if pipes freeze and cut off water supply for farmers it could be a major headache.

'At the moment it's hard to judge how badly farmers will be affected. I expect that the main routes will remain open as normal. This is a busier time for farmers compared to 2010 as we are coming into spring.

'However, on the plus side the days are longer and any snow mightn't last as long. We are advising members to use their common sense and be extra careful working in snowy and icy conditions.

'The biggest issue will be a lack of water supply if pipes freeze. Most animals are housed at the moment but for any animals that may be outside we would be advising farmers to bring them indoors during these difficult conditions.

'It tends to be later in the year when young stock is put outside and in terms of dairy farmers the majority of animals would be housed indoors at the minute.

'I don't think feed will be a major problem for farmers unless it's a very prolonged cold spell. Milk collection could be an issue but Glanbia who do most of the collections in Wicklow is fairly well resourced. They would have a number of rigid trucks that would travel better in the snow in rural areas than artic lorries.

'As far as I know they'd have snow chains too. Most good commercial organisations are well prepared.

'We would be optimistic that because we are coming into March the temperatures will rise gradually and the cold conditions won't hang around too long. We will just have to see how the situations develops but we can't let the country come to a stop.'

On Monday, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine participated in a meeting of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, convened by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the lead Government Department on Severe Weather Incidents.

Speaking afterwards a spokesperson echoed Mr Hill's concerns about the possible lack of water supply for animals.