790 farmers facing significant hardships in Carlow to receive over €1.4m in payments

Fianna Fáil Minister, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has said she is delighted that many farmers across her constituency are benefitting from the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme.

The Areas of Natural Constraints scheme provides payments to people farming land in designated areas face significant hardships from factors such as remoteness, difficult topography, climatic problems and poor soil conditions.

READ NEXT: Borris Lacemakers to represent Carlow in the European Parliament

Minster Murnane O’Connor said this has been a key issue among farmers in her constituency and also expressed her delight at the substantial funding allocated to Carlow.

She said,

“I am thrilled to hear that 709 farmers across Carlow are to receive over €1.4 million in payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme. This scheme is vital for farmers who are faced with hardship from several factors like climate issues, poor soil conditions, and remoteness.

“Over 86,000 farmers nationwide will benefit from these payments, totalling over €183 million. It is vital we support farming families across the country; they are the backbone of our economy."

READ NEXT: 'Truly inspiring' - Community course in Carlow sparks environmental action

Concluding the Minister went on to say that farmers who are set to receive funding will see it hit their bank accounts over the coming days.

“I would encourage all farmers who will be recipients of ANC to anticipate payment over the coming days. Any remaining cases will be cleared as a matter of urgency from the Department, and I welcome this.

“In Fianna Fáil, we are committed to supporting farmers and farming families. They are custodians of our land, and they provide top class and sustainable food production that is known worldwide. We are committed to using every lever at our disposal to ensure vital farm payments such as ANC are protected and expanded."