Falcarragh business fears in wake of Storm Éowyn

by Dionne Meehan

A COMMUNITY-based business in Falcarragh is calling on the government to provide support after their business was severely damaged during Storm Éowyn.
Operating since 2004, Cill Ulta is home to nine production polytunnels, an apiary, and multiple fields, making it a prime growing space for seasonal vegetables.

The business currently supplies sustainably grown vegetables to over 100 households, seven shops, ten restaurants, and the local food hub.

But following the damage caused by Storm Éowyn, the future of Cill Ulta is now in jeopardy.

Speaking to the Donegal News this week, Eithne Nic Lochlainn said her business will struggle as a result of the damage.

“To upgrade the plastic on a tunnel you are looking at around €3,000” she explained.

“But, one has had its frame damaged as well.

“I don’t know how much it will cost to repair that, I am scared to ask.

“You could be talking the guts of €20,000.”

Previously having three tunnels damaged in the storm before Christmas, Eithne said her business is generating more expense than income at the minute.

“We can’t deliver the range of food that we supply to shops to keep us going as a business,” she said.

“We’ll not be able to supply as much to the food hub, who we have been supplying since the pandemic.

“We have 15 people here employed on our books, not all full time but it is affecting that support model you have for income.

“It has to be fixed to keep going.

“Either that or we close the doors and walk away.

“I am hoping there will be some form of support put together by the government.”

Reiterating Eithne’s call, IFA Fruit and Vegetable Chair Niall McCormack called on the government to provide support for horticulture producers whose businesses were affected by Storm Éowyn.

He said many growers have experienced devastating damage due to the high winds on Friday last.

“Between collapsed growing structures and subsequent loss of plants, there are significant financial losses,” Mr McCormack said.

“Farmers worked tirelessly through the storm to protect their businesses, but they were overwhelmed by the high winds.

“Although some of the businesses had insurance to cover some structural losses, in general most producers cannot obtain cover for items such as polytunnels, crops and glasshouses.

“The government needs to stand up and support this sector.”

See more coverage of Storm Éowyn

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