Donegal farmers are amongst those receiving payments worth over €140M under 2016 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme.
The payments are now being issued to more than 65,000 farmers.
Fine Gael Minister of State Joe McHugh TD has welcomed the payments.
“I welcome the announcement today by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, T.D, that payments under the 2016 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme and Areas of Specific Constraint (Islands) scheme, worth over €140 million, have started issuing to almost 65,000 farmers.“
The Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme / Areas of Specific Constraint (Islands) scheme is a central scheme in the Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020. It aims to compensate farmers for the significant hardships they face in farming specifically designated lands.
Minister Creed, commenting on the scheme “These payments represent a significant and timely financial boost for farmers and for the wider rural economy. My Department will continue to clear remaining cases for payment over the coming weeks as a matter of priority.”
The Minister also confirmed that arrangements are on target to facilitate payment of the advance of 70% the Basic Payment Scheme with effect from 17 October.
Minister Joe McHugh, “This is a very significant financial boost for farmers in County Donegal. This government has a long term plan to ensure we support and assist our farmers, who are the backbone of this country and our economy. Today’s announcement is also very good news for the rural economy here in Donegal and will have a knock-on effect on many local businesses.”
