Talamh Beo has called on the government to provide assistance to farmers and growers who have lost critical infrastructure due to Storm Éowyn.

The organisation has been operating for four years. It aims to build food sovereignty, and ensure Ireland has the skills and knowledge in the community to grow food locally.

Thomas O'Connor, a member of Talamh Beo, saw much of his farm destroyed by the storm.

O'Connor is the owner of Manna organic farm on the Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry. His farm provides produce for his organic food shop in Tralee.

"We got hit hard by the storm, our tunnels were pretty much wiped out. We’ve a pretty big job ahead. The thing is, we aren’t the only ones. This is going to be a big blow for horticulture in Ireland," he told Agriland.

The destruction of polytunnels will also affect organic farmers' ability to plan for the future.

O'Connor said: "I lost three tunnels, the majority of my outdoor growing tunnels. In small scale horticulture usually you’ll find people have about a fifth of their growing area in a tunnel. That allows you to extend your season.

"We have our own organic store in Tralee, everything we grow we supply into our own shop. That wouldn’t be possible this time of year if we didn’t have tunnel coverage," he added.

Talamh Beo has set up a petition urging the government to provide assistance to the horticulture industry.

O'Connor said he is unable to get insurance for polytunnels, and trying to repair them will be economically challenging for the entire horticulture community.

"It isn't exactly a money game, the people who tend to be in it, tend to be in it for good quality food, community, and because they like the job that they're doing," he said.

Last Friday, January 25, Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme will be available to provide support to properties directly affected by Storm Éowyn.

The rate of payment depends on the extent of the damage and the applicant's ability to meet the cost of repairs. The scheme does not cover risks that are already covered by insurance policies or cover business or commercial losses.