HRH The Prince of Wales visits flood victims in Northern Ireland
November 2, 2017
On Friday 19th October, our Patron HRH The Prince of Wales visited communities affected by the recent flooding in Northern Ireland. He went to the Eglinton Community Centre, and the Londonderry YMCA, to meet local residents and business owners who were affected by the flood. He spoke to volunteers, emergency services personnel and officials who have been assisting with the clean up efforts and recovery of the area.
During a reception at the YMCA, His Royal Highness met with representatives from the local farming community, who have suffered greatly as a result of the flooding. The Prince’s Countryside Fund provided an emergency grant to Rural Support NI following the flooding, to help reach out to and support farm businesses with their long-term recovery as well as to deal with the immediate aftermath.
His Royal Highness met with farmers affected, including poultry farmer Nicola Hempton and her 11 week old daughter Lyla. Of the devastating effects of the flooding, Nicola said: “All our chickens died and the recently installed houses were damaged. We are having to start again. We are still waiting for insurance, and until then we can’t rebuild.”
The Prince also met President of Ulster Young Farmers’ Clubs James Speers and recipient of The Prince’s Countryside Fund Land Rover bursary who shared the experiences of some of the clubs’ members.
The major storms hit Northern Ireland on August 22nd 2017, with 63% of the area’s average August rainfall falling within a nine hour period. The resulting floods left 120 people in need of rescue and 510 properties damaged.
