Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has been asked to create an exceptional payments scheme for farmers who lose livestock in flash flooding.

Fine Gael TD Catherine Callaghan asked Minister Heydon if he could introduce the scheme within his department, and "akin to the response from his department to flooding in January 2016".

Last month, deputy Callaghan appealed to the government to provide support to a Carlow farmer who had recently lost 15 sheep in floods.

Minister Martin Heydon said that, at present, "there are no plans to run a specific scheme for farmers who have lost livestock due to flash flooding events".

Measures

"My department has been working with government colleagues through the National Emergency Coordination Group on the emergency response to the heavy rainfalls in January 2026," Minister Heydon said.

"In general my department offers a number of supports for farmers affected by severe weather events."

He outlined that where there are animal welfare issues connected with severe weather, farmers should keep in touch with their agricultural advisor or contact their local regional veterinary office or the department's animal welfare helpline.

"Where there has been loss of stock or temporary loss of land due to flooding of crops and the farmer is concerned about scheme eligibility or compliance, they should contact the relevant scheme area," the minister said.

"However, where my department is aware that farms have sustained significant damage to facilities required during an inspection or may not have electricity or water, then in such cases, department inspectors will liaise with the farmer to make alternate arrangements on a case-by-case basis."