Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, is reminding farmers that the deadline for the 2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) is just over two weeks away and farmers should submit their applications as soon as possible. The closing date is midnight on Friday May 15^th.

To support farmers with their applications, a number of in-person clinics will take place next week, including one in Tuam.

The in-person clinic in Tuam will take place next Tuesday May 5^th in the Ard Rí House Hotel from 10am-4.30pm.

Minister Canney said: “It is important that farmers get their applications in as soon as possible for the BISS scheme. For anyone struggling with their applications, the in-person clinic in Tuam and the Direct Payments Helpdesk are there to support with any queries.”

The BISS deadline of midnight on Friday, 15 May is also the deadline for the related submission of applications for a range of other schemes including the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, ECO Scheme, Areas of Natural Constraints and transfers of entitlements.

  Farmers can also contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk on 057-8674422. The lines will be open for extended hours in the run up to the application deadline as follows:

• between 9.15am and 5.00pm on Saturday, 9 May and Sunday, 10 May
• between 9.15am and 9:00pm on Monday, 11 May to Thursday, 14 May
• between 9.15am and 12 midnight on Friday, 15 May

Staff will also be available to assist at the public counter in the Department office in Portlaoise during these extended opening hours.

Farmers must apply for BISS and other area-based payments using the Department’s online facility at www.myagfood.ie and clicking on the BISS/area-based schemes link to start their applications.

Alternatively, farmers can contact a Farm Advisory System (FAS) approved Advisor to make the application on their behalf.