April 14, 2020
O’Dowd calls for extension of single farm payment application deadline

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has called on the Minister for Agriculture to extend the deadline for single farm payments beyond 15 May 2020.

Responding to a statement by Minister Poots at the Covid-19 committee, the Upper Bann MLA said:

“Farmers are rightly extremely anxious and concerned at the spread of Covid-19 and are working frantically to meet the 15th May deadline for single farm payment applications.

“Many farmers are isolated and in rural areas and because many applications are completed online, they depend on support from others and also reliable broadband.

“Obviously due to the necessary social distancing measures that are in place, this is proving difficult or impossible for many farmers as they are unable to travel.

“So far only 6500 of around 23,000 farmers have applied for the funding. This is concerning, and I note the Minister has committed to monitoring the situation.

“I am calling on the Minister to extend the deadline beyond 15th May – our farmers are already struggling and cannot face any more hardship as a result of this crisis.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

Transparency & accountability crucial to restore confidence at University of Limerick – @QuinlivanTD

Teachta Quinlivan's comments come following reports the Garda Economic Crime Bureau is examining issues relating to a controversial housing deal at UL.

It is essential that a State apology is now made to the families of the Stardust tragedy.

@MaryLouMcDonald has said that the apology must address the failures of governments, not just 43 years ago in the aftermath of this tragedy, but every day since then.

#JFT48

Following a meeting with the families of the Stardust tragedy this morning, @MaryLouMcDonald has said that "a full state apology to the families must be made now, and it must address the systematic failure over 43 years".

MORE: https://vote.sinnfein.ie/a-full-state-apology-to-stardust-families-must-address-systematic-failure-over-43-years-mary-lou-mcdonald/

ICOB in danger of being becoming another failed government business support scheme – @loreillysf

“It's essential that the May 1st deadline for registrations is extended, and that government & local authorities engage with SME's to encourage take-up."

Load More