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Two weeks today, 15 May, is the deadline for farmers to have their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications lodged with the Department of Agriculture.
This year, there is a big push on for farmers to submit their applications using the online system.
Under EU regulations, 100% of BPS applicants will be required to apply for their BPS by submitting an online application from 2018.
Over the past number of weeks, Department officials assisted farmers one-on-one in making their 2017 applications at a range of venues across the country.
Key dates
From this week, Department officials will also be available to meet with farmers at their offices in Derryhallagh, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim from 9.30am to 5.30pm on 4, 5, 8, 12 and 15 May.
Officials will also be available to assist farmers at the Department’s offices in Farnham Street, Cavan, on 2, 3, 9, 10, 11 and 15 May.
A number of these clinics have already been held in Cavan and Drumshanbo, and farmers who have called in have received one-to-one assistance in actually submitting their BPS application online there and then.
Staff in the Department’s offices on Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois, are also available from Monday to Friday, between 9.30am and 5.30pm to provide assistance to applicants who call into the office.
In addition, assistance on completing an application online is also available by contacting the Department’s Direct Payments Helpdesk on lo-call 0761-064420.
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