Press release
Minister McConalogue confirms 17,167 applicants to the new National Sheep Welfare Scheme
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D has confirmed that 17,167 farmers applied for the National Sheep Welfare Scheme up to the closing date at midnight on Tuesday 21 May 2024. The scheme will however remain open for late applications up to 15 June 2024.
The National Sheep Welfare Scheme complements the multi-annual Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) funded under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan until 2027 and has a budget of €15 million in 2024. Participants in the National Sheep Welfare Scheme are required to complete two actions to receive the full payment of up to €8 per ewe.
The Minister commented
“I secured an additional €15 million in budget 2024 for the sheep sector and I am delighted to see such strong take-up of the scheme with the 17,167 applications applying on almost 2 million ewes.”
He continued
“It is really important that applicants carry out their two selected actions in compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme and that they accurately record those within the Scheme Action Record Sheets which my Department will issue to approved applicants over the coming months.”
The Minister concluded by stating
“Between the support I have provided under the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) and under this new National Sheep Welfare Scheme, financial supports of up to €20 per ewe will be available in 2024 to sheep farmers.”
The full terms and conditions of the National Sheep Welfare Scheme and other relevant scheme information are available at gov - National Sheep Welfare Scheme (www.gov.ie).
ENDS