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Donegal farmers in debt over
payment delays
13.02.17
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MORE than 600 farmers
in Donegal are still waiting on GLAS payments and
over 300 have still not received their AEOS payments
which were due last year, Donegal T.D., Charlie
McConalogue said today. |
He urged Agriculture
Minister Michael Creed to intervene to ensure
payments are made to farmers as a matter of urgency.
"This is an extremely serious situation for the
hundreds of farmers across Donegal who are relying
on these essential payments to stay afloat.
“The delays in these payments are unprecedented and
are threatening the future of farm families. Many
farmers had taken out loans last year, expecting
their GLAS and AEOS payments to be drawn down by the
end of the year. It is now February and more than
600 farmers are still waiting to be paid – all the
while having to make repayments they can scarcely
afford." |
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Deputy Charlie McConalogue. |
Former beef farmer
Deputy McConalogue added: “Farmers are already under
severe financial pressure as a result of price
volatility and cash flow problems. These payments
are badly needed, but the Minister seems oblivious
to the seriousness of the situation.
“The Minister needs to stand up for these farmers
instead of blaming IT glitches for the delays. We
need the Minister to act to protect these vulnerable
family farms." |
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