Sheep farmers welcome €8m grant scheme but criticise slow roll-out

SHEEP farming groups have welcomed the new €8 million grant aid package for sheep fencing and handling facilities, but criticised its slow roll-out in tranches between now and the end of 2013.

IFA national sheep committee chairman, James Murphy, said the IFA is disappointed that the first tranche, to run until January 31, is €1.148m. The IFA sought substantial up-front funding.

“Restrictive selection criteria will deny some genuine sheep farmers the opportunity to apply for the scheme. The department’s move to use the farmers’ proposed or estimated costs is a new and unnecessary development. It will pitch farmer against farmer in a race to the bottom and only undermines the benefit of the scheme.”