Over 3,000 animals found dead after snow storm

Over 3,000 farm animal carcasses have been collected in a state funded disposal scheme after a blizzard engulfed Northern Ireland.

The Stormont Executive has agreed to pay for the recovery operation as part of an aid package for the farmers who were worst hit by last month's snow storm.

3,120 dead livestock have been disposed of so far, with officials predicting that more collections will be required.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "This immediate work is very important for a range of animal health and environmental impact factors. Also, the final hardship package will be linked to verifiable losses.

"The department will get this necessary information as farmers have stock removed and disposed of by the approved renderers. We have made it clear that farmers in affected areas will have these collection and disposal costs met by the department."