Long delay in Acres payments to Mayo farmers 'unacceptable'

Mayo local election candidate Donna Hyland has hit out at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for the latest frustration to local farmers awaiting the Acres scheme payment.

Some farmers are only getting their payment now in February.

The payment has been delayed since the last quarter of 2023.

Donna Hyland said: ”Local farmers should be fully supported for the valuable work that they do but many face significant financial pressure and this is unacceptable.”

Ms. Hyland, the Sinn Féin candidate for Castlebar LEA, continued: “Local farmers from the Castlebar Municipal District play a vital role in food production, in environmental protection and the family farm is essential in supporting the local economy.

“However, under the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, farmers and farm families have faced delayed payments and increased rules and regulations to access farm schemes."