More than 1,300 farmers and agricultural contractors in Co Clare are set to receive €563,769 under the Government’s Fuel Income Support Scheme.
A total of 1,326 applicants in the county will benefit from the payments, which are designed to offset increased fuel costs incurred between March and July this year.
The scheme provides support based on the equivalent of five months’ usage of marked gas oil in 2025, with payments calculated at a rate of 20 cent per litre.
Nationally, the average payment to agricultural contractors is approximately €4,000, while farmers are receiving an average payment of more than €600. The total value of payments under the scheme is expected to reach approximately €27 million.
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney said the funding would provide welcome relief to the farming sector.
“This will go a long way for farmers and contractors across Clare 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,” he said.
Deputy Cooney urged any eligible farmers or contractors who have yet to provide requested information to the Department of Agriculture to do so as soon as possible to ensure their claims can be processed.
The Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced as a temporary measure to assist farmers and agricultural contractors with unprecedented increases in fuel costs. The support applies to agricultural and forestry-related activities carried out between March and the end of July 2026.
Separate fuel support schemes have also been introduced for the fishing, aquaculture and specialist horticulture sectors.