IFA Fruit and Vegetable Chair Niall McCormack said that Storm Éowyn has caused significant damage, severely impacting horticultural businesses. He's calling on the Government to provide support for horticulture producers whose businesses were affected by Storm Éowyn. He said many growers have experienced devastating damage due to the high winds on Friday last.
"Between collapsed growing structures and subsequent loss of plants, there are significant financial losses. Growers are assessing the damage which will mount to thousands in many cases. The storm came at a vulnerable time for growers as tunnels and glasses have been planted with young plants for the upcoming season. Structural damage has destroyed many of these plants."
There have been renewed calls for financial support for those in the horticulture sector who have been affected by Storm Éowyn. Many food growers across the country are reporting significant damage to their crops and to their buildings.
Joe Reilly has been surveying the damage to his mushroom farm in Co Westmeath. The long structure which has been there since his family started the mushroom business back in the 1980s was ripped to shreds by Storm Éowyn.