18 Nov €1.8m Sheep Welfare Scheme for Mayo Farmers – Dillon

Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon, today welcomed the commencement of advance payments under year four of the Sheep Welfare Scheme. 

Deputy Dillon said , “I am pleased to welcome  that a total of €1.8 million is today issuing to some 2,682 farmers participating in the Sheep Welfare Scheme in County Mayo. The scheme reflects the commitment of the Government to the sheep sector in Ireland and provides a significant financial boost to the individual farmers and the sheep sector in general.”

Deputy Dillon added “I am also happy to hear that in the recent budgetary process, the Government secured funding for an additional year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme as we enter the CAP transitional period.  The additional year of the Scheme will be opening in the February 2021 and, as in previous years, there will be an opportunity for new entrants to the sector to join the scheme.”

Mayo TD Dillon confirmed the rate for the advance payment is set at 85%.  The Scheme is co-funded by the European Union as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020. As in previous years, the 15% balancing payment will be paid in the second quarter of next year.

In concluding, Deputy Dillon urged any farmers with outstanding queries to respond to the Department immediately in order to facilitate payment.