BYMICHAEL BRESLIN

Erne West Councillor, Bernice Swift has called on the Government to pay compensation to those farmers in the Boho area who, just recently, had their produce and lands flooded as a result of heavy rainfall overflowing the Sillies River.

And, Tom Elliott MLA has said it was not acceptable that Department of Environment and Rivers Agency did not put in place immediate plans in those areas which are liable to flooding to avoid 'this catastrophe' happening in future years.

"It is not sufficient for different Government Agencies to continue to wash their hands on this issue but to take affirmative action to avoid future flooding."

DUP Councillor, Paul Robinson advised those farmers who are members of the Ulster Farmers Union to contact their Union office, and those who are not members to contact Innishkeen House in Enniskillen, quoting the acreage affected by floods and giving an estimate of the damage caused.

Ms Swift welcomed the response to those affected by the floods in the Greater Belfast area, but, she added, 'we have been subject to the same situation here in Fermanagh'.

"The farmers in Boho are rather perturbed and concerned that they seem to be treated differently from those who are going to be compensated. This flooding doesn't just affect Boho this year, it's every year.

"For one farmer, it's every year for the past 60 years. It is unfair they are being treated differently. Many of these people are suffering, with their land under water and their crops destroyed. It's a very distressing situation."

Members agreed to write to the Minister urging action.