There was a 10% drop in the number of farmers receiving Farm Assist last year, with 699 fewer farmers receiving the payments.

Figures from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection show that 6,535 farmers received payments in 2018.

Donegal experienced the biggest drop in the number of recipients, falling by 179 farmers.

Farmers in the west of Ireland are traditionally the most reliant on Farm Assist payments, which are worth €203/week.

“The scheme supports the viability of farming for many smaller landholders in particular,” the Department said.

Donegal had the highest number of recipients with 1,086, followed by Mayo (1,084) and Kerry (523).

Increase

Kerry was the only county where the number of recipients increased marginally, by 25.

The latest figures show a continued decline in Farm Assist payment numbers, down from 8,790 farmers in 2015.

Farmers appealing Farm Assist decisions can expect a 47-week wait for an oral hearing.

Some 120 appeals were lodged last year and over half were disallowed, with just 25 successful appeals.