O’Shea Welcomes €31.2m Extension of Fuel Supports for Farmers and Contractors

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, John Paul O’Shea, has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, of a further five months of fuel supports for farmers, agricultural contractors, specialist horticulture producers, and fishers.

The additional €31.2 million funding comes on top of €38 million already paid and will support these sectors with the continuing high cost of Marked Gas Oil.

Deputy O’Shea said “This is welcome news for farmers and agricultural contractors across Cork North West who continue to face significant pressure from fuel and other input costs. These businesses are central to our local economy, supporting jobs, food production, and rural communities.

“The extension of the Fuel Income Support Scheme will cover August to December, following the original support period from March to July.

“Crucially, farmers and contractors who have already applied will not have to submit a second application. The additional payment will be based on their existing application, subject to scheme limits. This will simplify the process for those eligible.”

Deputy O’Shea also welcomed the provision for applicants with lower fuel usage. Those who declared more than 600 litres of Marked Gas Oil on their original application will now receive a payment, subject to scheme limits. Under the original payment, farmers declaring less than 1,200 litres did not reach the €100 minimum payment threshold.

“This is particularly welcome for smaller farming operations, where every additional cost puts pressure on household and farm finances,” he said.

The Department is making detailed arrangements for the second tranche of supports for specialist horticulture producers and the fishing sector.

“I will continue to engage with farmers and contractors across Cork North West and raise their concerns with Minister Heydon. It is vital that support responds to the pressures being experienced on the ground,” Deputy O’Shea concluded.