Galway and Mayo have the highest number of farmers awaiting their GLAS I and II payments.

There are nearly 850 farmers waiting on payment in those two counties alone, as the GLAS delays continue.

In the east, the number of farmers who applied and are still waiting for payment are significantly lower. In Dublin, Louth and Kildare there are just 11, 28 and 32 farmers waiting on payments in each county respectively.

The figures were revealed in a parliamentary question posed by Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on agriculture Charlie McConalogue, to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed this week.

McConalogue described the ongoing GLAS delays as “beyond a joke at this stage”, adding that farmers were reporting serious cashflow issues as a result of these extensive delays.

“The minister appears to be shirking all responsibility when it comes to solving the backlog of payments, and recently admitted that “a substantial number” of unpaid GLAS farmers might never receive their payments because they may be ineligible. This is another shameful kicking to touch exercise as he tries to distance himself from this shocking situation,” added McConalogue.

“There are also concerns about a drop off in the number of farmers participating in the scheme. The data shows that there are only 37,000 GLAS applicants remaining, despite an initial 38,000 being approved. This reduced participation level will further increase underspend in GLAS.”

Responding, Minister Michael Creed said: "I am not happy that this is the case. It is an embarrassment to me and the Department that this issue continues."

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