Menu
06/01/2016
Minister Meets With Farmers To Discuss Major Flooding Issues
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill has met with farmers and communities in Co Fermanagh to discuss the major effects of flooding in the area.
The Minister heard first-hand accounts from residents including Gary McManus who had to take time off from work to care for his elderly mother because their home was cut off leaving her unable to access proper services due to the recent heavy rain.
Minister O'Neill said: "I understand how difficult it is for those who live in rural areas to have their lives disrupted by road closures and diversions and for the farmers to see large parts of their land submerged under rain water. Today, I have seen how rising flood water can leave families isolated, the vulnerable without help, communities disrupted, children missing valuable school time and farmers coping with the impact of saturated fields. Everything should be done to ensure their distress is kept to a minimum.
"I have been moved by the resilience demonstrated by our farmers and rural communities. Despite the significant impact of the weather, it is reassuring to see rural people working hard together to help each other deal with the impact of the heavy rain and flooding.
"These communities have been here for generations. They look after the land and the lough. And now, they need to be reassured that they are a priority when weather hits them as hard as it has recently. Government will continue to review its response to the recent flooding as our priority is to make sure people are protected."
(CD/LM)
The Minister heard first-hand accounts from residents including Gary McManus who had to take time off from work to care for his elderly mother because their home was cut off leaving her unable to access proper services due to the recent heavy rain.
Minister O'Neill said: "I understand how difficult it is for those who live in rural areas to have their lives disrupted by road closures and diversions and for the farmers to see large parts of their land submerged under rain water. Today, I have seen how rising flood water can leave families isolated, the vulnerable without help, communities disrupted, children missing valuable school time and farmers coping with the impact of saturated fields. Everything should be done to ensure their distress is kept to a minimum.
"I have been moved by the resilience demonstrated by our farmers and rural communities. Despite the significant impact of the weather, it is reassuring to see rural people working hard together to help each other deal with the impact of the heavy rain and flooding.
"These communities have been here for generations. They look after the land and the lough. And now, they need to be reassured that they are a priority when weather hits them as hard as it has recently. Government will continue to review its response to the recent flooding as our priority is to make sure people are protected."
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 April 2002
Trimble launches Lisburn rural development strategy
"Northern Ireland’s rural communities are an essential part of our way of life and must be encouraged and assisted," according to the First Minister, David Trimble.
Trimble launches Lisburn rural development strategy
"Northern Ireland’s rural communities are an essential part of our way of life and must be encouraged and assisted," according to the First Minister, David Trimble.
01 August 2023
Rural Crime Cost NI £2.5m In 2022
Rural crime cost Northern Ireland £2.5m in 2022, an increase of 51% on the year before, according to the latest Rural Crime Report from NFU Mutual. The figure follows the UK trend as 2022 rural crime costs across the UK shot up 22% to an estimated £49.5m, up from £40.5m the previous year.
Rural Crime Cost NI £2.5m In 2022
Rural crime cost Northern Ireland £2.5m in 2022, an increase of 51% on the year before, according to the latest Rural Crime Report from NFU Mutual. The figure follows the UK trend as 2022 rural crime costs across the UK shot up 22% to an estimated £49.5m, up from £40.5m the previous year.
23 September 2024
New Rural Crime Awareness Campaign Launched
A new digital awareness campaign to support rural communities across Northern Ireland has been launched by the PSNI and the Rural Crime Partnership group to mark Rural Crime Week NI 2024 – Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September.
New Rural Crime Awareness Campaign Launched
A new digital awareness campaign to support rural communities across Northern Ireland has been launched by the PSNI and the Rural Crime Partnership group to mark Rural Crime Week NI 2024 – Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September.
30 November 2018
Brexit Will Have Catastrophic Impact On Rural Communities - Sinn Fein
A Sinn Fein MLA has said the DUP's Brexit agenda faces considerable opposition in rural communities due to its potential financial impact, and called on Arlene Foster's party to listen to the people of Northern Ireland.
Brexit Will Have Catastrophic Impact On Rural Communities - Sinn Fein
A Sinn Fein MLA has said the DUP's Brexit agenda faces considerable opposition in rural communities due to its potential financial impact, and called on Arlene Foster's party to listen to the people of Northern Ireland.
03 August 2022
Vigilance Needed To Tackle Rural Crime – DUP
The DUP has called for vigilance to tackle rural crime, following the release of the NFUs Rural Crime Report 2022. The report showed a fall of over 33% in the number of incidents over the last 12 months in Northern Ireland, but that the rural crime in Northern Ireland in 2021 was valued at £1.7m.
Vigilance Needed To Tackle Rural Crime – DUP
The DUP has called for vigilance to tackle rural crime, following the release of the NFUs Rural Crime Report 2022. The report showed a fall of over 33% in the number of incidents over the last 12 months in Northern Ireland, but that the rural crime in Northern Ireland in 2021 was valued at £1.7m.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
