Comiskey welcomes new sheep scheme

The announcement by Minister Charlie McConalogue of the opening for applications of the new sheep scheme yesterday has been welcomed by Kevin Comiskey, former IFA Sheep Chairman and current local election candidate in the Manorhamilton Municipal District in Leitrim. 

Mr Comiskey reiterated that this money is badly needed to support sheep farming income. 

Having worked extremely hard as National Sheep Chairperson to get this scheme across the line in the last budget, Mr Comiskey is delighted with the announcement. 

During his reign as the sheep commodity Chairperson, Mr Comiskey was the first IFA representative to arrive at protests held at both the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael "Think In's" attended by respective members of each party parliamentary group prior to the budget to highlight the need for Government support to "SAVE OUR SHEEP SECTOR" in line with the protest slogan. 

In his statement, Mr Comiskey said, "It is vital that all eligible ewes that are applied for receive the €8 payment announced. This will bring the total payment per ewe for 2024 to €20. I will continue to work with all farm organisations and lobby the Government to build on this payment to receive a €30 per ewe payment in future budgets. 

"While the sheep trade at the moment is relatively good, the vast majority of farmers that lamb their ewes are not benefiting from the current price increase. Sheep farming is a high production cost sector and also the most environmentally friendly sector. 

"The age demographic of sheep farmers is increasing with each generation and there must be a secure income visible to encourage young farmers to enter into sheep farming."