Westmeath IFA to 'bale out' flood-stricken areas

We're all very much aware of the "bail out" for the banks, but this week, Westmeath IFA has taken it upon itself to facilitate a "bale out" for those living along the banks of the flood-stricken Shannon region.Between Saturday next, December 12 and the following Saturday, December 19, the county farming lobby will operate a number of collection points in Westmeath, where local farmers are asked to deposit bales of hay, straw or silage.The bales will be collected at locations in Kinnegad, Mullingar, Kilbeggan and Drumraney, before being driven to a holding yard for the Christmas period. In January and February, the bales will be distributed to farmers, who have been badly affected by flooding in the Shannon region.Former Westmeath IFA chairman Paddy Donnelly told the Westmeath Examiner that by the end of December, when most floods waters are expected to subside."There isn't a huge demand for fodder at the moment, but when the floods subside, we will only know how much bales have been destroyed in the west," Mr. Donnelly explained. "Then we expect that there will be a bigger demand for fodder in January and February."The collection points will open this Saturday morning at Westmeath IFA chairman, Joe Maxwell's farm at Griffinstown, Kinnegad; Paddy Donnelly's farm at Slanemore, Mullingar; at the old Fabri-Cast site at the Dublin Road, Kilbeggan; and at the Drumraney GAA grounds, between Ballymore and Athlone.The depots will close on the following Saturday evening."The support of farmers in Westmeath would be very much appreciated," Mr. Donnelly said.