Kilkenny farmers should prepare for Storm Eunice - IFA

IFA Munster Regional Chairman Harold Kingston has advised farmers, particularly those in the Red alert areas, to take every precaution over the next 24 hours as Storm Eunice arrives.

Cork, Kerry and Waterford have been designated Status Red, Kilkenny is in the Status Orange zone, with the rest of the country either Orange or Yellow.

Mr Kingston said farms are very busy at the moment, with calving and lambing underway.

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“When working in darkness, check torches for batteries and keep phones charged. Make sure there’s enough fuel in machines and remember that flying debris might not be as obvious outside of daylight hours,” he said.

He advised farmers to check their farmyards and put in place whatever safety procedures are needed to safeguard themselves and their livestock until the storm passes.

“Farmers should review whatever measures they normally take when Met Éireann issues a storm advisory. Check buildings, gates, doors and vehicles to ensure they are secure,” he said.

Mr Kingston also advised farmers to use the time between now and the storm landing to have all precautions in place.

“Met Éireann’s advice is that there will be gusts in excess of 130km/hour. Anybody farming near coastal areas should be very vigilant,” he said.

He also said farmers should seek any assistance they might need rather than taking on too much, and to keep an eye out for neighbours on their own.

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