Almost €160,000 in payments for 189 Longford sheep farmers

Longford Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty has confirmed that 189 Longford farmers are in line to receive a total of €158,112 under the National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS). 

Nationwide, payments under the scheme totalling €14.36 million have started to issue to 15,465 farmers and that the scheme further demonstrates the continuing commitment of Fianna Fail in government to the sheep sector.

Also read: Seventeen candidates in Longford / Westmeath set to battle it out for five Dáil seats

Deputy Flaherty said, "The issuing of €14.36 million of payments under the 2024 National Sheep Welfare Scheme is crucial to the sheep sector and farm families. Fianna Fáil in Government fully realises the importance of the sheep sector and is committed to supporting it.

"In the recent Budget, the payment of €8 per ewe under the NSWS increased by €5 to €13 per ewe. 

Also read: Heavin calls for Longford and Westmeath bypasses to be prioritised by next government

"When combined with the €12 per ewe available under the CSP Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS), sheep farmers will receive €25 per ewe in 2025. 

"This is a 150% increase in funding from €10 to €25 since Fianna Fáil entered government in 2020 and is by far the largest payment ever made to sheep farmers.

Also read: Have your say! Public urged to check the register ahead of upcoming General Election

“Fianna Fáil in Government is focused on listening to farmers, acting on their concerns and being absolutely committed to continuing to help them meet the varied significant challenges across the sector and the measures secured in Budget 2025 are reflective of this.”