Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne T.D. welcomed the commencement of advance payments under year four of the Sheep Welfare Scheme. 

508 Wexford sheep farm holdings will share in grants to the value of €506,000.

The Minister stated,

“I am pleased to see the commencement of payments to County Wexford sheep farmers. The scheme reflects the commitment of the Government to the sheep sector in Ireland and provides a significant financial boost to the individual farmers and the sheep sector in general.

In other positive news, my party colleague, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue, has secured funding for an additional year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme as we enter the CAP transitional period.  The additional year of the Scheme will be opening in the February 2021 and, as in previous years, there will be an opportunity for new entrants to the sector to join the scheme.”

Minister Browne confirmed the rate for the advance payment is set at 85%.  The Scheme is co-funded by the European Union as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020. As in previous years, the 15% balancing payment will be paid in the second quarter of next year.