Poots visits area affected by 2017 North West flooding

Date published: 24 March 2021

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots has visited a farming business in the Owenkillew river valley at the invitation of the UFU, to discuss the ongoing impacts of the August 2017 flooding in the area and subsequent land slippage.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA is pictured with farm owner Drew Fleming, Declan McAleer MLA and President of the Ulster Farmers' Union Victor Chestnutt

Minister Poots said: “I welcome the opportunity to visit the area to meet with a local farmer impacted by the flooding in 2017 and to learn about the challenges faced by those directly affected. I have seen the impact of landslides and erosion caused by the heavy rain, and heard about the work required to restore land back to productivity. I am considering requests for financial assistance and plan to make an announcement in the near future”

Following the flooding a number of measures have been taken by DAERA to assist those affected, including £500,000 funding for the Loughs Agency to carry out remedial fencing woks in the worst affected areas and a range of farm advisory and practical support measures.

Notes to editors: 

  1. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk
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  3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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