Grass not growing due to low temperatures and higher rainfall in first three months of the year

ALMOST 80pc more rain fell in some parts of the country over the first three months of the year compared with the corresponding period of 2017, Met Éireann data shows.

Just over 250mm of rain fell at Dublin Airport between January and April 2, up 77.8pc, with increases of more than 50pc recorded at stations in Johnstown, Co Wexford; Ballyhaise, Co Cavan; and Dunsany, in Meath.

The data comes as president of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Joe Healy (right) warned that the land was far too wet to graze, exacerbating fears of a major fodder shortage.

He said figures from weather stations on Teagasc land showed that in some areas, four times as much rain fell in January compared with the same month of 2017.

“We’ve had two very wet months since and it has been compounded by snowfall,” he said, adding that rainfall in Athenry increased to 173mm in January, compared to 47mm in the same month last year.

“It was similar at all the other stations,” he said, warning it was causing major difficulties for farmers as they deal with sodden land and no grass growth.

Met Éireann records show that of the 25 weather stations across the State, rainfall levels rose by more than 5pc in 22 of them over the first three months of the year. In two – Mace Head and Valentia – rainfall remained largely the same, and it dropped in Moore Park by 13.6pc.

The Met Éireann weather report for the winter said rainfall was above average, while it was also the coldest winter since 2011 in many places. A spokesman for Teagasc said the increased rainfall and snow, coupled with low temperatures, meant that grass was not growing at the level necessary.

Met Éireann is predicting unsettled weather over the coming days. Today will see outbreaks of rain, with a wet and windy night forecast for tomorrow, with a risk of spot flooding in places from Friday, and rain forecast across the weekend.