852 farmers and contractors to benefit from Fuel Income Support Scheme in Waterford

• €782,826.89 to be paid out in supports to applicants for five-month period from March to July 2026

Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, has confirmed that 852 farmers and contractors are set to benefit from funding of €782,826.89 under the Fuel Income Support Scheme.

Minister Cummins said: “This will go a long way for farmers and contractors across County Waterford who were hit hard by rising fuel costs in the spring. It’s a practical, targeted support that will make a real difference to households and farm budgets.”

The scheme was designed to support applicants for the five-month period March to July 2026.

Payment is based on the equivalent of five months usage of the total litres of marked gas oil (MGO) used by an applicant in 2025 multiplied by 20c. 

The average payment for a contractor nationally is approximately €4,000 in this batch of payments, with farmers receiving over €600 on average. It is expected that the total final payments under this scheme will be approximately €27 million.

Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon TD said:

“The Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced as a targeted income support for farmers and agricultural contractors who had experienced unprecedented increases in fuel costs this spring.

“I am delighted that €20.7 million in payments have now commenced issuing to 29,464 farmers and contractors and in the coming days they will see money arriving in their bank accounts. This is the first batch of farmers and contractors cleared for payment and further payments will issue on an ongoing basis once cases are cleared. This scheme and the issuing of payments in a timely manner shows that Government can and will support the agricultural industry through difficult times.”

Minister Cummins concluded: “I’d encourage any farmer or contractor in Waterford who hasn’t yet responded to requests from the Department for information to do so as soon as possible so their claim can be processed.”

Farmers and contractors wishing to contact the department regarding their Fuel Income Support payment, can call the Direct Payments Helpline at 057-8674422 or by email to fuelsub@agriculture.gov.ie