Donegal agricultural workers are being encouraged to submit their applications for the Fuel Income Support Scheme before the deadline which has been extended Tuesday, June 2.
The extension was introduced to accommodate farmers and farm contractors who are exceptionally busy on the land during the current window of favourable weather. The scheme provides direct financial relief targeted at those actively engaged in food production and forestry management who are most exposed to volatile agricultural diesel costs.
“Our local farmers and contractors in Donegal are the backbone of the rural economy who tirelessly to secure our food supply and manage our lands. With the average contractor using around 70,000 litres of diesel a year, high fuel overheads had a major impact on Donegal businesses,” said Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue.
“It’s extremely important that no one in the farming community who is eligible to the Fuel Income Support Scheme is left behind. I strongly urge every eligible farmer and contractor across Donegal to submit their application before the deadline of midnight next Tuesday,” he added.
The Fuel Income Support Scheme supports farmers active in 2025/2026 and VAT-registered, tax-compliant agricultural or forestry contractors. Eligible applicants receive a single lump-sum payment of approximately 20 cents per litre based on five months of estimated fuel usage, with farmers applying via the MyAgFood portal and contractors using paper forms.
“The Fuel Income Support Scheme, which opened on May 6 was originally set to close on Wednesday, May 27, and I very much welcome the extension for submissions to next week.
“By extending support to contractors through the Fuel Income Support Scheme, this lowers their operating costs, which indirectly stops them from having to significantly increase their service prices for local farmers,” the Donegal Minister of State said.