North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has this week welcomed confirmation that almost €90m in vital farm supports will be paid out to over 10,000 farmers in Cork with some payments already issued.
So far, the first tranche of payments has issued for the Area of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme, the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), and the new Eco-schemes, with almost €8.15m having been paid out to farmers around the country.
Cllr. O’Shea said “Agriculture is at the heart of rural communities here in Cork and right across Ireland – it is critical to supporting employment and preserving our unique landscape. Fine Gael is committed to delivering for farmers and rural Ireland and farm payments form an important part of supporting the sector”.
The balancing payments for these schemes will be made in December 2024.
Cllr. O’Shea added “I am acutely aware that a number of farmers are yet to receive their first tranche of payments. Farmers are under pressure as this year has seen high input costs compounded by challenging weather conditions and I want to see these outstanding payments issued as quickly as possible”.
Farmers wishing to contact the department regarding their payment can contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk at 057-8674422. Queries can also be submitted online via www.agfood.ie.
Fine Gael’s Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon said “2023 was the first year of the new-CAP. Farm payments were made later this year than in previous years as new schemes were introduced. A commitment has been given to farmers and their representatives that these payments will return to their usual timings next year as we know how important they are”.
Fine Gael will host a Special Conference on Saturday 18th November next at the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, Co Kildare with agriculture and rural affairs as the special focus. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will meet with Ministers, parliamentary party, councillors, and Fine Gael members to discuss a range of issues, including how delivering for rural Ireland is one of the party’s top priorities.
