There is a push on to get Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications flowing and to build on last year’s online submissions of 102,000 applications.

A Department spokesman said that applicants should be viewing 15 May as a deadline and not a last-minute target to get applications submitted. Applications are under way, with approximately 5,800 (5,174 online and 633 paper) submitted to date.

The Department will shortly be launching an enhanced support campaign that builds on the additional resources put in place in the Portlaoise office in 2016. This includes a series of information meetings and clinics focusing on the BPS, which will kick-off on 10 April.

The clinics will provide support to farmers who require assistance in completing an application online. Clinics are due to take place in Ballina, Cavan, Drumshanbo, Dungarvan, Ennis, Letterkenny, Portlaoise, Tralee and Tuam. Full details of venues and times will be released in the coming weeks.

The drive to increase online applications is part of the EU’s ruling to complete 100% of applications online in 2018.

Meanwhile, a meeting took place between IFA and Department officials last week and included 2017 BPS applications and associated issues covering inspections, processing of applications and payments.

IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy said: “The IFA made it very clear to the Department of Agriculture that all payments must be made on time and in line with the deadlines set down in the Charter of Farmers Rights.

“Payment delays as a result of Department inspections are not acceptable and this was particularly a problem with satellite inspections last year.”

Kennedy says the Department must accurately inform farmers if there is a problem or delay with their case in order for the farmer to resolve issues and avoid delays.

2016 payments

The IFA also received an update on 2016 payments at the meeting. There were 124,312 eligible applications submitted in 2016, of which 123,604, or 99.4%, have been paid. The total volume paid under BPS and greening is €1.182bn. Payments for outstanding cases will be made as they are resolved, with a twice-weekly payment run continuing.

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