Ian Marshall (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by extending this House's sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in the storm. One victim died in Galway and the second victim was from my own county, Armagh. I take this opportunity to extend our sympathies.

I certainly believe that the decision by the ploughing association to cancel Wednesday at the ploughing championships was the right one. It was about the protection of people's lives and property. We cannot underestimate the significance of this event and the impact this closure will have on both the association and the people and participants at the ploughing championships. The figures for the first day show there were 98,500 people in attendance and it certainly was set up to be a very successful week in Tullamore. That being said, we need to monitor the situation. I would encourage everyone to support the remaining days at the ploughing championships. It is a huge dent to their ambitions to lose one day, even though that day is being replaced by the addition of Friday to the calendar. I would like to send out a message to the general public and encourage everyone to support the initiative and the event. It is certainly the showcase event for the agrifood industry. It is attended by people from both Northern Ireland and the Republic, but also from England, Scotland and Wales, and international visitors. It is a hugely important showcase for the industry.

In addition, I am aware, listening to news reports this morning, that there are further warnings of imminent storm conditions. It would be prudent that we be aware that these further high winds and adverse weather are on the way. I credit and congratulate the Government and the Minister for trying to communicate this message to the general public in a timely manner in advance of the previous set of storms. There were tweets from the Minister on a regular basis warning people to protect themselves and their property when the storm was about to hit. There are concerns that we need to have a concerted effort from everyone, through the media channels and elected representatives, to alert people that we may be in for a turbulent spell of weather over the weekend and that it is in everyone's interest to protect themselves, protect people and protect property.