ICSA rural development chairman Seamus Sherlock has called for the reinstatement of the full Disadvantaged Area Scheme (now known as Areas of Natural Constraint- ANC) budget amounting to €257m.

“Farmers have endured two cuts to this payment as part of the austerity programme. ICSA believes the time has now come to reverse these harsh cuts and to restore these payments to the levels they previously were.”

“We have seen a level of underspend in various schemes within the Rural Development Programme. It is also fair that the exchequer should show the same willingness to spend money on restoring cuts to farmers as is envisaged in restoring cuts to other sectors.

Cuts to disadvantaged area payments have had a severe impact on farmers that are facing additional cost and challenge on marginal land. It’s time to put this money back in farmers’ pockets. The money will provide a significant spin-off in rural areas which have yet to see much recovery.”