Payments of more than €2.671 million to Kilkenny farmers under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme could offer a lifeline to stretched farmers, according to local deputy John Paul Phelan.
The Fine Gael TD welcomed the announcement from Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and said farmers who qualified for the scheme should receive their payments in the coming days.
“The scheme will benefit over 100,000 farmers and will be of significant benefit to farmers in Kilkenny. Importantly, farmers will receive 100 per cent of the payment upfront, which is a very welcome change from the last year when only 75 per cent of the payment was allocated initially,” he said.
“This Government is aware of the importance of cash flow for farmers, particularly those on low incomes, and is responding accordingly.”
Deputy Phelan said the Department of Agriculture had written to 10,000 applicants in recent weeks, seeking proof that they qualified for the scheme, and he urged farmers to respond to those requirements in order to receive their full entitlements.
He said this announcement and the Government’s negotiating of a 50 per cent advance of the single farm payment, showed the Government was in tune with the challenges farmers were facing.
“Farmers in Kilkenny will no doubt support any moves to bring forward these vital payments, upon which their livelihoods depend,” he said.
