Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the commencement of payments under the Government’s Fuel Income Support Scheme, with more than €1 million now being paid to 2,063 farmers and agricultural contractors in Galway.

The first round of payments sees €1,002,839.01 issuing to eligible applicants across the county as part of a national package of €20.7 million being paid to 29,464 farmers and contractors.

The Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced as a targeted income support for farmers and agricultural contractors who experienced unprecedented increases in fuel costs this spring. The scheme covers the five-month period from March to July 2026, which coincides with peak fuel usage on farms.

Welcoming the commencement of payments, Minister Canney said: “This is welcome support for Galway farmers and agricultural contractors who have faced significant increases in fuel costs during a particularly challenging period.”

“More than €1 million is now being paid to over 2,000 recipients across Galway, providing timely financial assistance at a time when many farm businesses have experienced higher operating costs.”

“The Government introduced this targeted scheme to respond to those exceptional fuel price increases, and it is positive to see payments now reaching farmers’ and contractors’ bank accounts.”

Under the scheme, payments are calculated based on the equivalent of five months’ usage of marked gas oil (MGO) used by an applicant during 2025, multiplied by a payment rate of 20 cent per litre.

Nationally, the average payment in this first batch is over €600 for farmers and approximately €4,000 for agricultural contractors. Further payments will issue on an ongoing basis as remaining applications are cleared, with the total value of the scheme expected to reach approximately €27 million.

Minister Canney also encouraged any applicants who have been contacted by the Department seeking additional information to respond as soon as possible to allow their claims to be processed without delay.

Farmers and contractors with queries regarding their Fuel Income Support payment can contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Direct Payments Helpline on 057 867 4422 or email [email protected].