Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has said that there are no plans to reopen the Calf Welfare Scheme.

The scheme was opened this year and proved very popular, with over 2,500 farmers applying, with up to €3,000 per holding in grant aid available.

Some €4m in funding was allocated to the scheme.

There are currently no plans to extend the calf investment scheme into 2021

“The scheme offered a range of on-farm investment items for calf rearing and welfare facilities,” the Minister said in response to Deputy Emer Higgins.

“The deadline for receipt of payment claims and associated documentation was 30 September 2020. Payments began as payment claims were submitted and are issuing on an ongoing basis as cases are cleared for payment. There are currently no plans to extend the calf investment scheme into 2021.”