Scheme to support farmers and fishers in Mayo to increase

A scheme to support farmers and fishers in Mayo is to increase in the new year, Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD, has said.

Minister Dillon said the number of places on the Rural Dweller pilot will double from 250 to 500 nationally from January, following Budget 2027.

“The scheme expansion will open up more opportunities for people aged 50 and over in rural communities.”

The Department of Social Protection confirmed that 234 participants are currently in the scheme which began last January, including 23 in Mayo. A further eight are due to start shortly with remaining places expected to be filled in the coming weeks.

The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support scheme for low-income farmers and fisherpersons who are underemployed in their primary occupation. The Rural Dweller pilot widens access to the RSS by allowing people aged 50, and over who live in rural areas, and receive a qualifying social welfare payment, to take part.

Minister Dillon said: "Doubling the places to 500 means more people in rural Ireland can do meaningful work and give something back to their own communities.

“The pilot has been a success since it began last January, with 234 people already taking part. That's why we pushed to expand it in the Budget, and I'm proud Fine Gael made it happen.

“Anyone in Mayo who thinks they might qualify should check it out now. The places double in January, and I want to see people in Mayo get the full benefit.”