First Minister visits Dromara

Having received complaints from Saturday DUP representatives were well aware of the scale of the problem in the Dromara, Finnis, Ringsend and Gransha, however, the sight of farmers digging sheep out of the snow one by one was very distressing, other farmers have had roofs collapsed injuring animals and far from being a winter wonderland, it is more a scene of appalling devastation.

The First Minister and Edwin Poots have given assurances that they will raise the issue at the Executive meeting this week.

Both Ministers made it clear that they would press hard to get assistance for farmers.

Mr Poots said it was essential that farmers kept a verifiable record of livestock losses.

He also advised that the DARD helpline could get foodstuffs delivered to inaccessible areas.

Councillor Poots said it was of great to have a first minister who came and seen first hand the struggles people are facing, particularly in the rural area.

“The First Minister has given a commitment to both myself and the Minister of Health that there would be a fight to ensure farmers got all the support needed.

“To quote the First Minister “during times of flooding there was hardship funding given to those whose houses where affected, I believe farmers should get the same support.”

The Minister of Health, who is also an MLA for the area, is raising the issue of support for farmers at the Executive meeting this Thursday.

Mr Luke Poots added that he had also asked the Ministers to raise the issue of road gulleys with Minister Kennedy on Thursday.

He said it is particularly important that road gulleys are fully functional before the snow begins to thaw as there will be excess water which needs to be going down the drain and not into houses.

Mr Poots praised local contractors and farmers who went out of their way to help the community by removing snow.