A Leitrim TD is calling on the Agriculture Minister to keep his promise and deliver a compensation package for the landowners affected by the Shass landslide.
The discharge occurred near Drumkeerin in June 2020 and despite the setting up of a multi agency team to assist locals, Deputy Marian Harkin says no progress has been made almost 27 months later.
She raised the issued in the Dail last night asking Minister Charlie McConalogue to ensure a package of measures was introduced as a matter of urgency.
"You and I know, Minister, that this has gone on for too long. What does "in due course" mean? What can I say, what can you say to these farmers who are waiting and waiting? Are we talking about a month, 2 months? Can you guarantee that this will be done and dusted before the end of the year even"?
In response Minister McConalogue acknowledged the stress on farmers. He stated a proposal for compensation has been drafted and submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure for approval. While he cannot give a definite date the Fianna Fail representative hopes to have the matter concluded by the end of the year.
"I certainly hope to have this concluded by the end of the year. I can't give a clear guarantee as to when that will be. It's subject to agreement between my department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform but we are fully committed on following through with the commitment to the farmers concerned".
