More than 4,000 farmers and contractors in Cork benefit from Fuel Income Support
Scheme, Senator Noel O'Donovan has said.

The Cork South-West Fine Gael Senator has said 4,350 farmers
and contractors in Cork are set to get a total of €3,152,000.78 in support.

Senator O’Donovan said: 'This will go a long way for farmers and contractors across
West Cork who were hit hard by rising fuel costs in the spring.

'It’s a practical, targeted support that will make a real difference to households and farm budgets.'

The scheme was designed to support applicants for the five-month period March to
July 2026.

Payment is based on the equivalent of five months usage of the total litres of marked
gas oil (MGO) used by an applicant in 2025 multiplied by 20c.

The average payment for a contractor nationally is approximately €4,000 in this
batch of payments, with farmers receiving over €600 on average.

It is expected that the total final payments under this scheme will be approximately €27 million.

Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon said: 'The Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced as a targeted income support for farmers and agricultural contractors who had experienced unprecedented increases in fuel costs this spring.

'This is the first batch of farmers and contractors cleared for
payment and further payments will issue on an ongoing basis once cases are
cleared.

'This scheme and the issuing of payments in a timely manner shows that
government can and will support the agricultural industry through difficult times.'

Senator O’Donovan added: 'I’d encourage any farmer or contractor in
West Cork who hasn’t yet responded to requests from the Department for
information to do so as soon as possible so their claim can be processed.'

Farmers and contractors who want to contact the department about their Fuel
Income Support payment, can ring the Direct Payments Helpline at 057-8674422 or
send an email to [email protected]