Over 600 Kildare farmers receive fuel supports
Photo for illustrative purposes only
SOME 608 Kildare farmers have been awarded a share of €539,487 under the Fuel Income Support Scheme, which commenced payments this week.
The scheme was designed to support applicants for the five-month period March to July 2026.
Payment is based on the equivalent of five months usage of the total litres of marked gas oil (MGO) used by an applicant in 2025 multiplied by 20c.
Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon TD, who introduced the scheme, said: “The Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced as a targeted income support for farmers and agricultural contractors who had experienced unprecedented increases in fuel costs this spring.”
The Minister added: “I am delighted that €20.7 million in payments have now commenced issuing to 29,464 farmers and contractors and in the coming days they will see money arriving in their bank accounts.
“This is the first batch of farmers and contractors cleared for payment and further payments will issue on an ongoing basis once cases are cleared. This scheme and the issuing of payments in a timely manner shows that Government can and will support the agricultural industry through difficult times.”
The average payment for a contractor is approximately €4,000 in this batch of payments, with farmers receiving over €600. It is expected that the total final payments under this scheme will be approximately €27 million.
Minister Heydon urges anyone who has not finished their application to respond soon so that their claim may be processed and finalised.
People can ring the direct payments helpline at 057-8674422 or email fuelsub@agriculture.gov.ie
