Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan has welcomed the commencement of payments under the Fuel Income Support Scheme, with 367 payments worth a total of €489,784 now being issued to farmers and agricultural contractors across Louth.

The Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced as a targeted measure to assist farmers and agricultural contractors who experienced significant increases in fuel costs during spring 2026. The scheme covers the five-month period from March to July 2026.

Payments are calculated based on the equivalent of five months’ usage of the total litres of marked gas oil used by each applicant in 2025, with support provided at a rate of 20 cent per litre.

Nationally, €20.7 million is now being paid to farmers and agricultural contractors, with payments expected to arrive in bank accounts over the coming days. The average payment for agricultural contractors is approximately €4,000, while farmers are receiving an average payment of more than €600. Total payments under the scheme are expected to reach approximately €27 million.

Speaking on the announcement, Deputy McGreehan said:

“The recent instability in the Middle East has driven significant increases in fuel costs, creating additional pressure for businesses and key sectors across Ireland. Farmers and agricultural contractors have been particularly affected because of their reliance on fuel for day to day operations.

“The agricultural sector has been uniquely impacted and, therefore, required a unique response.

“These payments will provide timely financial support, helping to ease some of those additional costs and offering much needed certainty at a challenging time.

“A strong farming sector is essential to our economy and our food supply. By helping to reduce the cost pressures facing farmers and agricultural contractors, these supports will also help protect consumers by limiting the risk of increased prices being passed on at the shelf.”

For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.

ENDS