Over €21m paid out to 2,585 farmers in Westmeath

Over €21m in vital farm supports have been paid out to 2,585 farmers in Westmeath.

So far, the first tranche of payments have been issued for the Area of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme, the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), and the new Eco-schemes having been paid out to farmers around the country.

The balancing payments for these schemes will be made in December 2024.

Minister of State Peter Burke says that Fine Gael is committed to delivering for farmers and rural Ireland.

"Agriculture is at the heart of rural communities here in Westmeath and right across Ireland - it is critical to supporting employment and preserving our unique landscape,” Minister Burke said.

“I am acutely aware that a number of farmers are yet to receive their first tranche of payments. Farmers are under pressure as this year has seen high input costs compounded by challenging weather conditions and I want to see these outstanding payments issued as quickly as possible.”

Deputy Robert Troy (FF) says that the payments are crucial for farm families and local businesses in Westmeath, "bringing a welcome boost in cashflow to the rural economy".

"Fianna Fáil in government are committed to ensuring that these scheme payments continue to issue in the most efficient way possible to ensure that these vital supports are delivered to farmers in a timely manner."

Fine Gael Special Conference

Fine Gael will host a Special Conference on Saturday November 18 next at the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, County Kildare with agriculture and rural affairs as the special focus.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will meet with Ministers, parliamentary party, councillors, and Fine Gael members to discuss a range of issues, including how delivering for rural Ireland is one of the party’s top priorities.

“I look forward to attending and contributing to this conference and hearing the views of farmers and those in rural communities,” says Minister Burke.