The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)

Help at hand for online BPS work

- By TADHG EVANS

A KERRY TD explained that clinics will take place in the county to help farmers with online applicatio­ns for the Basic Payment

Scheme (BPS).

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport

Brendan Griffin said that an online clinic will be held in the Sea Lodge Hotel in Waterville on April 16 from 9am to 12.30pm, with another scheduled for the same day at Manor West Hotel, Tralee, from 4pm to 7.30pm.

There are also telephone help-lines, book guides, and videos available to help farmers with the BPS applicatio­ns.

“These clinics have proven successful in the past and farmers can sit down with an official from the Department and make their online BPS or Transfer of Entitlemen­ts applicatio­ns on the spot,” Minister Griffin

TD said.

“Online applicatio­ns offer a range of benefits for farmers and also help the Department to issue these vital payments more efficientl­y.”

The Fine Gael TD sang the praises of online applicatio­ns for schemes such as BPS and Areas of Natural Constraint­s (ANC), pointing out that almost 20,000 farmers have made applicatio­ns online so far this year compared to a total of 3,500 for this point last year.

All parts of direct payments schemes will be online from this year forward. Farmers can access help on registerin­g for schemes by contacting the Department of Agricultur­e at (076) 106 4424.

If registered and seeking help in completing applicatio­ns or arranging one-to-one clinics, phone (076) 106 4420.

 ??  ?? Minister Brendan Griffin
Minister Brendan Griffin

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