Air of 'gloom' as farmers suffer through rain

Local councillor, Frank Roche, is making a call for support for farmers in a time of consistent rain, but rather than financial incentives, Cllr Roche is drawing attention to the emotional and psychological strain being suffered by agricultural workers. Indeed, it has been so bad that in Wexford this week, one local priest resorted to the only thing left in the arsenal: a Mass to pray for better weather.

Speaking with The Avondhu on Tuesday, the Castletownroche-based Independent councillor said that the situation was ‘frightening’.

“None that I’ve spoken to are complaining financially, but mentally, they’re destroyed. I’ve had numerous calls this week. One woman rang me, her brother came in at 9.30am and went to bed; he said he couldn’t cope with it”.

Criticising some of the farming organisations, some of whom offer support on the phone, Cllr Roche claimed he rang one of these lines on Friday and while he didn’t need that kind of support, he is nevertheless disappointed that the person on the phone said they’d call him back on Monday.

“It’s Tuesday now and I still haven’t got a call. If I’d been in a bad way on Friday, what good is a call to me on Monday?”

“We’re ringing the Department of Agriculture and only getting answering machines. They’re trying to make us do everything online, the department, the motor tax. It would make a huge difference if they (farmers) could speak to someone on the phone or have a physical interaction. It’s ‘dial 1 for this or 2 for that’. I’m not getting any complaints about finances, but there is a sense of gloom about the place”.

Pieta have a 24-hour freephone helpline for anyone in distress or their friends or relatives, and can be contacted on 1800 247 247. Alternatively, text the word ‘HELP’ to 51444 to speak to a qualified therapist.

The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or emailed at jo@samaritans.ie.