O’Shea Welcomes Start of Farm Payments Worth Over €64 Million to Cork Farmers

Deputy O’Shea has welcomed the commencement of 2026 BISS and CRISS advance payments, worth over €64 million to farmers across County Cork.

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, that advance payments under the 2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) schemes have issued today, Thursday, 22 October.

The payments represent a significant financial injection for Cork farming families, with over €64 million set to support farmers across the county, providing vital assistance with farm expenses and helping to sustain the wider rural economy.

Deputy O’Shea said “I warmly welcome the commencement of these payments, which are worth over €64 million to farmers in County Cork.

“These payments are absolutely vital for farm families, particularly at this time of year when farmers are facing significant costs associated with running their businesses, including feed, fertiliser, fuel and other essential inputs.

“Direct payments provide an important degree of financial certainty for farmers and support the continued viability of family farms. They also have a wider economic benefit, with money circulating through local towns and villages and supporting agricultural suppliers, small businesses and rural employment.

“I acknowledge the concern caused by the six-day delay in issuing these payments. I understand how important it is for farmers to receive these payments on time and to be able to plan their finances with confidence.

“I welcome the efforts made by Minister Heydon to resolve the difficulties that arose from public sector industrial action and to get the payment process moving.”

Deputy O’Shea noted that the BISS and CRISS advance payments are being made at an increased rate of 75% for 2026, with the Department of Agriculture confirming that over €551 million will issue to 110,089 farmers nationally.

He continued “It is encouraging that 94% of cleared cases had been paid on the first day of issuing, exceeding the 90% target set out under the Farmers’ Charter.

“I would encourage any farmers who have outstanding requests for documentation from the Department to respond as quickly as possible so that their applications can be processed without further delay.

“I will continue to work with the Minister and the Department to ensure that Cork farmers receive the supports they are entitled to and that any outstanding cases are dealt with as quickly as possible.

“Farming is central to the economic and social fabric of rural Cork, and ensuring that these payments reach farmers promptly is essential for farm families and the communities that depend on them.”

Farmers with queries regarding BISS or ANC payments can contact the Department’s Direct Payments Helpdesk on 057 867 4422 or submit queries online through www.myagfood.ie.