Kilkenny councillor reveals how much local farmers were paid under EU scheme

By COLIN BARTLEY

KILKENNY farmers have received €33 million in EU grants over the last month, newly-released figures reveal.

In the most recent payment, some 3,062 Kilkenny farmers received an average of just under €10,000 as part of the EU Basic Payment Scheme, a grant paid out to farmers who to strict rules imposed on human and animal health and welfare, plant health, and the environment.

In total €29,655,755 was approved for Kilkenny farmers through advance payments, there will be further payments to follow.

The announcement was made by Councillor Patrick O’Neill, who will also contest the next General Election for Fine Gael.

Cllr O’Neill said: “I am happy to confirm that advance payments under the BPS, worth €747 million to 114,500 farmers, have commenced issuing today. This includes €29,655,755 to 3,062 farmers in Kilkenny.

“These payments are a vital support for farmers across the country and contribute greatly to maximising income and cashflow in the sector.”

The advance BPS payment and the advance Area of Natural Constraint (ANC) payments taken together mean that some €33 million has been issued to Kilkenny farmers over the last month.

The ANC scheme provides payments to farmers located in areas facing natural problems such as difficult climatic conditions, steep slopes, or poor soil quality.