Ophelia damage to nurseries
Deputy Mattie McGrath raised storm damage to nurseries in south Tipperary and east Cork, saying promised visits and support had not materialised. The Tánaiste said she would raise the matter with the relevant Ministers and ask them to respond directly.
Hurricane Ophelia occurred a number of weeks ago and a lot of damage was done to nurseries in south Tipperary and east Cork.
Comment on this
Of course, it is. Apples are exported all over the world. The nurseries affected have contracts to fill. The Minister of State, Deputy Andrew Doyle, indicated that he would visit the ones affected but then refused to do so. I have also raised the matter with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, but nothing has been done for the nurseries affected
Comment on this
I will submit one also. The nurseries affected employ significant numbers of people. This has been the second knock for them within a couple of years. They need some support and empathy, at least, if nothing else.
Comment on this
I will bring the concerns raised by the Deputy to the attention of the Minister and the Minister of State and ask them to respond to him directly. Hurricane Ophelia had various impacts. It is important to recognise the point made by the Deputy about the damage done and determine whether anything can be done to address it.