Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins has confirmed that over €25.3 million has been paid to Roscommon farmers under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme.
Senator Hopkins stated: “The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed TD has confirmed to me that 5,114 farmers across our county have benefited from these payments.
“I am delighted to see such a large amount of farmers being paid so early in the payment cycle this year with almost 90% of Roscommon farmers receiving a payment. The large number of online applications and introduction of preliminary checks this summer has greatly helped to achieve this and also reduce the number of penalties.
“These payments will help farmers deal with many bills like paying contractors for silage and turf, paying for concentrates along with purchasing livestock.
“Minister Creed has also confirmed to me that payments under the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme continue to issue as cases are approved.”
Senator Hopkins concluded: “I am aware that there are approximately 675 farmers who have not received a BPS payment as of yet. I encourage those farmers to contact their agricultural advisor or the Dept of Agriculture on 076 1064420 and provide any outstanding information as soon as possible.”
