Ireland’s horticulture sector has suffered a major blow following a series of severe storms that swept across the country, leaving widespread destruction in their wake. Growers in key regions have reported extensive damage to crops, polytunnels, glasshouses, and infrastructure, with many now facing serious financial uncertainty.
Widespread Damage to Crops and Infrastructure
Growers from counties Wexford, Dublin, Meath, and Cork have been among the worst affected, with reports of flattened polytunnels, flooded fields, and shattered glasshouses. In North County Dublin, a hub for vegetable production, growers are struggling to salvage what they can from waterlogged fields.
David Murphy, a lettuce and brassica grower in the area, described the impact:
“The wind completely tore through our tunnels. Some are beyond repair, and we’ve lost thousands of euros worth of crops overnight.”
In Co. Cork, fruit grower Sarah O’Leary reported catastrophic losses after gale-force winds destroyed her orchard’s protective netting and uprooted hundreds of trees.
“We spent years investing in this orchard, and now it’s been devastated in just a few hours. The cost of replanting and repairing the infrastructure is overwhelming.”
Similarly, in Co. Meath, greenhouse tomato producer Michael Brennan said glass panes were shattered by flying debris, leaving crops exposed to the elements.
“The damage is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Without emergency support, we may not recover in time for the new growing season.”
Rising Costs and Financial Struggles
The storm damage adds to the financial strain already facing horticulture growers due to rising costs of energy, labour, and inputs. Many now fear that without immediate government assistance, their businesses may not survive.
Paul Brophy, IFA Horticulture Chair, has urged the government to introduce an emergency relief fund: “This storm has wiped out months of work for growers. We need urgent financial aid and long-term support to rebuild and future-proof the sector.”
Calls for Climate Resilience Measures
As extreme weather events become more frequent, industry leaders are calling for greater investment in climate adaptation strategies. Upgrading storm-proof infrastructure, improving drainage systems, and expanding grant support for protected growing environments will be essential in mitigating future risks.
With the full extent of the damage still being assessed, Ireland’s horticulture sector faces a challenging road to recovery. For many growers, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can rebuild and continue producing vital crops for the market.
