€1.168m for Louth farmers in annual scheme

LOCAL TD Fergus O’Dowd has welcomed the announcement that just under € 1,168,668 will be delivered to 597 County Louth farmers under the areas of natural constraints scheme.

“Local farmers have had to deal with serious challenges over the last 12 months including adverse weather episodes and the constant Brexit related pressure points. These payments will be well received at a critical time for our farmers,” said Deputy O’Dowd.

“Increased payments will be made this year following on from my colleague Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Michael Creed, securing an additional € 25million for the 2018 ANC Budget.

“The transfer to an online system for applications this year has seen an increase in the number of farmers receiving payments by 2,000 nationally from 75,000 in 2017 to almost 77,000 this year. This has also streamlined the process leading to a reduction in payment delays,” he concluded.