Almost 700 low-income farmers in the Shannonside region got social welfare assistance from the state last year. They got the money under Farm Assist or the Rural Social Scheme. Farm Assist is a means-tested payment to low-income farmers, capped at €232 per week. It is paid by the Department of Social Protection.
New figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act, show 179 farmers in Leitrim got this payment last year - down from 195 in 2022. A total of 117 farmers in Roscommon availed of it last year - down from 133. It compares to 63 farmers in Longford getting the payment last year - down from 72. The Rural Social Scheme is a similar support, aimed at low-income farmers and fishermen. 151 people in Roscommon got it last year - down two from 2022. 119 people in Leitrim availed of it last year - up one. The figure for Longford was 55 - unchanged on the previous year.
