Over 1800 Farmers In Wicklow To Benefit From Early Support Payments.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced €11.5 Million has been paid To Over 1,800 Wicklow Farmers.

• Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced €11.5 Million has been paid To Over 1,800 Wicklow Farmers
• The payments are the advance payments under the 2024 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS).
• Payments will be in farmers bank accounts in the coming days.

Announcing the funding, Taoiseach Simon Harris said:

“I am delighted that my Government has started to give farmers the advance payments under the BISS & CRISS, worth over €11.5 million to over 1,800 Wicklow farmers.

“These payments are of vital importance to farmers and make a significant contribution to farm incomes.

“People in Wicklow know how crucial a role our farmers play in our county’s economy.

"Given the importance of these payments to farmers, I welcome the fact payment dates for 2024 have reverted to the payment schedule in place in previous years.

“Nationally, 110,186 of farmers have been paid €506m which is in line with our commitment under the Farmers Charter to pay 90% of eligible applications.

“6,000 more farmers have been paid and €54m more in payments has gone out this year compared to the commencement of payments in 2023.

“This further shows my Government’s commitment to delivering for farmers and Rural Ireland.

“Payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days, and I am calling on the Department of Agriculture to issue outstanding payments as a matter of urgency as they become clear for payment.”

Payments under the 2024 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (ANC), which commenced last month, are also continuing as more cases are cleared for payment and 2024 payments under the Eco-Scheme will commence from next week. 

For those farmers wishing to contact the department regarding their BISS or ANC payments, extended hours are in place for the Direct Payments Helpdesk.

From Monday 14 October to Friday 18 October, the Helpdesk will be available up to 8.30pm. Farmers can ring the Helpdesk at 057-8674422. Farmers can also submit any queries they may have online via www.agfood.ie.