Just 45 applications have been submitted to the Department of Agriculture under the Fodder Transport Support Measure that was announced at the end of January this year.

Minister Michael Creed confirmed the application figure in response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil spokesperson for agriculture Charlie McConalogue.

A county breakdown of applications:

  • Clare – 16
  • Donegal – 12
  • Roscommon – eight
  • Mayo – three
  • Sligo – two
  • Tipperary – one
  • Longford – one
  • Leitrim – one
  • Galway – one

    • The scheme was mired in controversy when it was announced, as a 100km distance rule applied to fodder bought through the scheme, and despite reassurances from Minister Creed that the scheme was “not area specific”, the Irish Farmers Journal discovered that farmers in certain counties could not apply.

    A 50km distance rule still applies to fodder ordered through the scheme, but Minister Creed has now confirmed that it is open in all counties.

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