TD Frank Feighan calls for urgent agency meeting while Leitrim residents shiver

Frank Feighan TD visited Leitrim this week to assess the extensive damage caused by recent unprecedented storms. Speaking on the ground with councillors, Feighan described the situation as "a very, very difficult situation" and emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to manage the crisis.

“I have raised it with the Taoiseach. We need to bring all the agencies together,” Feighan stated. “From the OPW to Coillte to ESP to local authorities to everybody that will try to work together that would minimize the damage.”

During his visit, Feighan met with Emergency Service Providers representatives at a parliamentary party meeting. He praised their efforts, saying, “I want to pay tribute to all the local authorities, to civil defence, and all who are working so hard to get this situation resolved. It is unprecedented the level, but Leitrim especially has the worst damage.”

Highlighting the urgent need for additional resources, Feighan called for more support for the ESP and the army. “I call on more resources for the ESP and also the army as well to try to,” he explained. He noted, “The army is involved already in providing barracks, air corps helicopters, and things like that. We need people on the ground.”

The new Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon TD visited the Taylor farm in Newtowngore, Co Leitrim yesterday. John and Greame's farm has had no electricity since Friday morning and are relying on power from generators.

The Minister heard at first hand the challenges faced by farmers without power in dealing with animal welfare and other issues.

Feighan addressed the challenges faced by communities in South Leitrim, including Carrigallen and Cloone, where residents are struggling with disrupted utilities and damaged infrastructure.

Emphasizing the need for reliable power sources, Feighan stated, “I think we are beginning to get on top of it. We need generators for Irish Water, but also for households and farms and businesses. The government needs to step up to the plate to assist.”

Reflecting on past emergencies, such as the Shannon flooding, Feighan illustrated the importance of inter-agency cooperation. “When all parties come together with a shared goal, we can achieve remarkable outcomes even in the most challenging circumstances,” he remarked.

Addressing the increasing frequency of storms, Feighan noted, “Storms are now occurring nearly three or four times a year, and we must prepare for that.” He urged for immediate action, stating, “We need to prepare and we need to [bring agencies together] as soon as possible.”

As Leitrim continues to rebuild, Frank Feighan TD’s call for a unified agency meeting underscores the urgent need for enhanced collaboration and resource allocation to address both current devastation in ruralLeitrim and future challenges posed by severe weather events.