Storm Eowyn: Kilkenny farm leader warns “community-minded farmers” to be “absolutely focussed on safety"

Noting that the official warnings about the imminent storm seem to be increasing in urgency, Dunbell farmer and the President of ICMSA, Kilkenny farmer Denis Drennan, has called on farmers to be “absolutely focussed on safety over the next few days”.

Mr Drennan said that statistically farming was already a higher risk than most other occupations and he appealed for everyone to look after themselves, their families and stock and to wait till the storm is over before turning their attention to property or buildings.

“The forecasters are giving the storm about 16-18 hours of intense activity and we’d just like farmers to be very conscious of downed trees and particularly downed electricity lines, where farmers might go trying to unblock roads unaware of the status of the power lines.  We’ve seen just recently where community-minded farmers are usually the first people to respond to extreme weather events in their localities, and while we are proud of that community spirit and commitment, we have to be mindful of our safety and not feel pressurised to get out and start clearing away damage or fallen trees before it’s safe to do so.  

"ICMSA thinks it’s important and prudent to just hunker down and wait this one out, do the necessary jobs only before we go out onto our farms and start inspecting or repairing damage to sheds or roofs.   Let’s just be extra cautious for this and give the extra few hours till the worst of the winds have died down, keep in contact with family and neighbours and make sure everyone is ok and safe as possible”, said Mr Drennan.