Farmers reminded of scheme deadline

FARMERS have been reminded by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan that the closing date for the receipt of applications under the new single payment scheme is May 16.

In order to allow farmers maximum opportunity to lodge applications before the deadline, she has decided that certain offices will have extended opening hours over the coming two weekends.

The offices in Portlaoise, from where the new scheme is being administered, are to remain open to the public on, May 7, May 8 and on May 14 from 9.15am to 5.30pm.