The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Assoication (ICSA) rural development chairman Seamus Sherlock has called for the deadline for applications for Flood Damage Relief be extended.

“We’re not out of the woods yet, this was evidenced last Wednesday when we saw more torrential downpours, and this must be recognised,” he said.

Flood Damage Relief measures are designed to give financial assistance for loss or movement of livestock and damage to fixed agricultural structures and fittings.

“Farmers who have suffered huge losses are still assessing those losses and there is no guarantee more losses won’t be incurred.

“I see no reason for the deadline not to be extended at least until we see a real improvement in our weather conditions. Storm after storm has passed through the country in recent weeks, with no end in sight.

“Why put farmers under more pressure at this time? I’m calling on Minister Simon Coveney to immediately extend today’s deadline,” he concluded.