Green Party Senator Malcolm Noonan is urging for urgent financial assistance to be allocated to the horticulture industry following the destructive aftermath of Storm Éowyn. As the newly elected senator representing the agricultural panel in the Seanad, Noonan emphasized the widespread impact felt by growers nationwide who have suffered significant losses, including damage to polytunnels and essential facilities during a critical period of the growing season. Highlighting the vital role these growers play in ensuring food security and supporting local economies through supplying markets across the country, Senator Noonan stressed the need for immediate support to aid in the sector’s recovery.
Senator Noonan also brought attention to the importance of broadening representation within the windblow task force during discussions with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Michael Healy-Rae. He emphasized the necessity of incorporating local voices, community input, and landowners into the task force to enhance its effectiveness in enhancing resilience against future extreme weather events. In advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives, Noonan expressed optimism that either existing business support initiatives or a dedicated fund could be established to assist horticulturalists in repairing and replacing damaged equipment in the wake of the storm.
“Regrettably, the anticipated era of severe weather events has now materialized, necessitating swift implementation of adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities, infrastructure, and agriculture,” Senator Noonan remarked. The establishment of the windblow task force by DAFM in response to the unprecedented winds of Storm Éowyn underscores the urgency of addressing the aftermath of such extreme weather occurrences. The task force, as outlined by DAFM, will play a pivotal role in shaping the department’s and the broader sector’s response to recent storms, with a specific focus on safely managing the extensive forest areas that have been impacted. Central to its objectives is the development of a strategy for prioritizing felling licenses in areas affected by storm damage, along with addressing logistical challenges related to the harvesting, transportation, and processing of fallen trees.
In the wake of Storm Éowyn’s devastating impact on the horticulture sector, Senator Noonan’s advocacy for emergency funding underscores the pressing need to support growers in rebuilding their operations and safeguarding the industry’s resilience against future weather-related challenges. By championing the inclusion of diverse voices in the windblow task force, Noonan is driving efforts to ensure a comprehensive and community-centered approach to mitigating the effects of extreme weather events on Ireland’s agricultural landscape.
