Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018
403. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the transport subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10922/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo address an identified shortfall of fodder in certain areas of the West and North-West of the country, I introduced a targeted Fodder Transport Support Measure, operated through the Co-operative structure. The measure provides a contribution towards the cost of transporting fodder from areas of surplus to those areas in need, primarily in the West and North West, based on assessment by Teagasc. This measure applies from January 29th 2018 until April 20th 2018.
While the areas identified by Teagasc as being the most affected are predominantly located in parts of the West and North West, the measure is not county specific within the region. Teagasc is also monitoring the fodder situation in adjoining areas and will carry further assessments if necessary. As with all measures, certain criteria apply. Farmers, within the region identified by Teagasc as having a significant fodder shortage and having completed a fodder budgeting exercise with their FAS agricultural advisor, will be eligible to receive a financial contribution of €8 per standard 4x4 bale of hay or straw for feeding and €12 per standard 4x4 bale of silage or haylage.
This contribution is payable towards the additional cost of transporting fodder sourced through the Co-operative system. Farmers will still pay the cost of the fodder in the normal way. Only the shortfall in fodder will be eligible to receive support under the measure.
It is important to emphasise that this is a very targeted and locally focused measure, centring on areas of fodder scarcity where normal local trading in fodder cannot service. At present the southern part of the country has not been identified by Teagasc as an area that is currently experiencing a significant fodder shortage and reports indicate that there is currently adequate fodder available within the region. My Department will continue to monitor the situation.
