Level of uptake for fuel support scheme 'extremely poor' - Mayo TD reveals

A Mayo TD has stated the level of uptake by farmers and farm contractors of the government's fuel support scheme has been 'extremely poor'.

The initiative was introduced to help compensate sectors hit hard by the sharp rise in fuel costs due to the war in Iran.

Protests were held throughout the country over the impact of the costs on businesses.

Explained Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh: "The reason for this poor return in payment making is because it is not worthwhile.

"The scheme is calculated from the total usage from the year 2025, with only five months counted as rebate for 20 cent per litre.

"A farmer who purchased 2,000 litres of fuel is entitled to a rebate of just €166. A farmer would have to qualify for a rebate of at least €100 to be eligible to apply.

"This is equivalent to purchasing approximately 1,400 litres for 2025.

"These figures would not be reached by most small-to-medium size farmers, meaning they are excluded completely from the scheme. This happens over and over again.

"With the increased costs of fuel and fertiliser, this approach to compensating farmers is not nearly enough to alleviate the pressure from rising prices.

"I cannot understand why in the design of these schemes the government does not take up the suggestions that are made from Opposition parties.

"A much better approach would have been a scheme like the fodder payment scheme paid a few years ago, which was a universal payment.

"That would have been the common sense approach to this to make sure that farmers in Mayo, Donegal and the more rural constituencies can avail of the schemes that are there. There is no point in having them otherwise.

"There are 250 supports available under local enterprise and enterprise support schemes.

"When businesses go to look for them, time and time again the administrative burden and the cost of accessing these schemes is impossible. It is absolutely impossible for businesses.

"The government needs to think and it needs to actually involve the end users of these schemes in the design so the government's time, their time and our time is not being wasted.

"Just because the opposition put up tangible, sensible ideas does not mean the egos of those in government should not allow them to avail of what is being given in terms of the design of schemes.

"They need to just cop-on in relation to all of these schemes and the planning that needs to be done," she added.