Mayo farmers and contractors urged to apply for fuel income support scheme

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has announced an extension to the closing date for the Fuel Income Support Scheme to midnight on Tuesday, June 2.

Minister Heydon said: "We have seen a strong response to the Fuel Income Support Scheme among farmers and contractors to date including a large number of applications received over the weekend and the past two days. As I am conscious that farmers will be extremely busy during the current spell of weather, I am extending the deadline for the fuel support scheme. I want to ensure that no one is left behind and that as many farmers and farm contractors as possible have the opportunity to apply."

The Minister added: “The application process is very straightforward so I would urge farmers and contractors who have not yet applied to do so in the coming days. The average contractor is using around 70,000 litres of diesel a year and this payment will assist their businesses at a time of high fuel usage and associated cost.

“This support was designed in consultation with representatives of the various stakeholders and key asks from them were the targeting of the payment to those affected the most by MGO (Marked Gas Oil) prices, and speedy issue of the support. My Department is now delivering on those key asks.”

Concluding, Minister Heydon said: “I have ensured that support is directed to those impacted by the price increase and who are actively engaged in producing our food and managing our forests, and I now urge anyone who wants to avail of this support to do so before Tuesday night next, June 2.”

Farmers can apply online here.

Contractors can download the necessary forms from the Department’s website here and submit completed forms and receipts by emailing fuelsub@agriculture.gov.ie or to the postal address provided on the forms.

Applicants wishing to contact the Department regarding the Fuel Income Support Scheme, can ring the Direct Payments Helpline at 057 8674422 or email fuelsub@agriculture.gov.ie.