24 JANUARY 2018

ICSA has welcomed the announcement of a transport subsidy for fodder.

“Today’s announcement by Minister Creed will certainly be a relief for those with rapidly dwindling fodder supplies. We await clarification on the detail but the priority must be for money to flow in to the scheme as soon as possible.  Red tape must be minimised,” according to ICSA president Patrick Kent.

ICSA rural development chair Seamus Sherlock said: “The situation is particularly bad in many western and border counties and we need it in place quickly.  We want to see co-ops and the Department work closely so that there are no more delays.”

Commenting on today’s development ICSA Sligo chairman Gabriel Gilmartin said, “There will have to be flexibility on the 100km rule to avail of funds. A common sense approach will have to be adopted. I am disappointed that meal vouchers have not been included in the scheme, which would have been a better value solution than transporting fodder across the country.”

ICSA Cavan chairman Hugh Farrell added, “Farmers in the border counties have been eagerly anticipating this announcement. ICSA will continue to assist in sourcing supplies and getting it to where it’s needed most.”

ENDS