ANC payments for farmers are welcome in current conditions
Senator Maura Hopkins has said that payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme are a welcome boost for farmers in Roscommon and Galway.
Senator Hopkins said, "The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed TD has informed me that over €140 million is to be provided to farmers under this scheme in 2016."
"3,575 farmers in Roscommon are to benefit from over 7.8 million in payments and 7,500 farmers in Galway are to benefit from over 6 million in payments. Minister Creed has informed me that the Department will continue to clear cases for payment over the next number of weeks as a matter of priority."
Senator Hopkins concluded, "these payments will provide a much needed boost for farmers in Roscommon and Galway and I am confident any outstanding payments will be made in the coming weeks."
"The current wet conditions is making it very difficult for farmers and this payment is a necessary addition to their farm income. A number of farmers I met this week have told me they have had to house animals because of the worsening ground conditions. This is resulting in unforeseen costs for farmers to have to deal with at this early stage. Therefore this payment is very necessary for farmers in our region".
