Criticism for Fodder Transport Scheme by Drumshanbo councillor

Cllr Gerry Dolan called on the Minister for Agriculture to provide a scheme to help livestock farmers during the current crisis.

He was speaking at the latest Ballinamore municipal district meeting. "While I welcome the introduction of the Fodder Transport Support Scheme it really doesn’t go far enough, especially for farmers in this area. Something akin to the previous Fodder Support Scheme or meal vouchers would be of far greater benefit to farmers."

Cllr Brendan Barry supported the motion and said that funds still owed to farmers for the ACRES scheme "should be paid out as soon as possible to try and help farmers with the difficult conditions that they find themselves in."

The new fodder scheme, which is for livestock farmers, has been announced as part of measures to alleviate pressure on the industry amid relentless wet weather.

While fodder is still available in parts of the country, transporting it to places without has cost farmers a considerable sum.

The financial contribution will offset transport costs of hay, fodder beet, straw and silage for feeding, where a distance of more than 75km is involved.

Cllr Barry continued: "It's not really practical for a lot of people in this area because you need to be transporting it from beyond Edgeworthstown, which is a very long way away. Hopefully if the weather improves it would take far more pressure off people." 

Cllr Dolan said that "there is money available for other things but not the poor farmer and something like meal vouchers would help everyone; it would help farmers, co-op and everyone else."

Cllr Enda McGloin also supported the motion.