The Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has announced a number of measures to help so-called 'forgotten farmers' in the west and north west of the country.
The measures provide a €5,000 payment to the farmers, as well as allowing those farmers get 60% grant aid under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes which they had been previously excluded from.
They will also be able to apply to the National Reserve for entitlements when new CAP arrangements kick into place.
The Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Cllr Paddy O Rourke says it's a welcome announcement for these farmers: