Limerick advocate says fact that farmers owed €45m is ‘unacceptable’

IFA deputy president and Clarina man Richard Kennedy has urged the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to pay out approximately €45m which is owed to farmers in respect of schemes that they applied for in 2018.

Mr Kennedy said that it is “unacceptable” that this money is being held up at a time when farmers are “on their knees and are in desperate need of income support”.

The make-up of the money owed is the remaining 15% GLAS balancing payment worth over €30m. Full GLAS payment to 1,500 farmers who have not received any payment for 2018, worth €6m. Balancing payment for organic farmers, worth €2m. Outstanding KT payments, worth €2m. Balancing payment under the Sheep Welfare Scheme, worth €3m. A small number of outstanding BPS, ANC and BDGP payments, worth €2m.

On top of this, there are approximately 800 farmers who have made an application for TAMS, following completion of investment, who are also awaiting payment. This is worth €11.5m. Mr Kennedy said it is vitally important that all outstanding payments are made without any further delay.