Sinn Féin spokesperson for Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has asked Minister McConalogue to allow Farmers more time to submit receipts under the National Liming Programme.

The Minister announced a welcome extension to the spreading date, now March 31st 2024. However, receipts are still required to be submitted to the Department by October 31st.

Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:

“While the extension to the date in which lime has to be spread is welcome this should also be reflected in the deadline for purchasing and submitting receipts.

“It makes no sense to extend one deadline and not the other.

“Why would a Farmer go out and buy lime now that he cannot spread and now in many cases, will not spread until next Spring?

“It is not fair to insist Farmers front-load buying lime at a time when so many are under significant financial pressure, in order to get a receipt in on time to qualify for this Scheme.

“Considering delays to the BISS (Basic Income Support Scheme) this year, which is still not paid, as well as farm input costs being at an all-time high, many Farmers are at the pin of their collar.

“Given the spreading deadline now isn’t for almost six months, it seems illogical to expect that they will prioritise purchasing lime when other more urgent bills will take priority.

“I have raised this matter with the Minister and I have asked him to extend the deadline for submission of receipts under the Liming Programme.”