Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports and Leader of the Independent Group of Ministers, Seán Canney TD has welcomed confirmation from Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, that over €4.7 million in payments have begun issuing to more than 7,600 farmers nationwide under the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme.

Minister Canney said:
“I welcome this announcement, which is delivering vital financial support to dairy farmers who are working to improve the animal health and welfare of our national herd. I’m especially pleased to note that 257 farmers in Galway will benefit from payments totalling over €161,800.”

The Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme forms part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) and supports the use of high-genetic-merit beef sires in the dairy herd. This scheme encourages greater integration between the dairy and beef sectors while enhancing animal welfare standards.

Payments of €20 per eligible calf—up to a maximum of 50 calves per herd—are now being issued for calves born between January and December 2024. These payments will appear in bank accounts in the coming days.

Minister Canney continued: “This scheme not only helps to strengthen the sustainability of the dairy-beef sector, but it also ensures that Galway farmers are rewarded for their commitment to high-welfare farming practices. It is another example of how targeted supports under the CAP Strategic Plan are delivering real benefits at farm level.”

The scheme will reopen for new applications in April 2025. However, farmers already participating in 2024 do not need to reapply, as their participation will continue automatically.

Farmers seeking further information can contact the Department of Agriculture’s Direct Payments Helpline at 057-8674422 or email [email protected].

For more details on Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, visit www.gov.ie/cap.