Beef Exceptional Aid Measure deadline extended for farmers

The deadline for Beef Exceptional Aid Measure [BEAM] applications has been extended by a week.

Offaly Fine Gael TD, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy said an online clinic to help with the application process has been set up.

The online application process was scheduled to close on Sunday September 8, but this has been extended to midnight on Sunday September 15.

A clinic will be held from 12-4pm at the County Arms Hotel in Birr on Friday September 13 next.

“I am delighted to see that a large number of farmers have already applied online for this key support with over 20,000 already submitting their applications," said Dep Marcella Corcoran Kennedy.

"However there are still over 70,000 farmers who are potentially eligible for a payment. With this in mind, my Fine Gael colleague, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has decided to extend the deadline to facilitate applications from as many of these as possible.

“In order to ensure that the Department is in a position to make payments to applicants at the earliest possible date, I would urge eligible farmers in Offaly to make their application by the new deadline.

“In addition to the deadline extension the Minister also announced a number of online clinics that his Department will be providing in the run up to the closing date.

“On Friday 13th September next a clinic will be held from 12-4pm at the County Arms Hotel in Birr.

“In recent years, the Department has put in place online clinics around the country where farmers can meet one to one with a member of staff and make their application there and then. 

“These clinics proved very popular with farmers for BPS, and I am happy to confirm that the same service is being extended for BEAM.

“I am keenly aware that all farmers are dealing with very challenging circumstances at present and in particular beef farmers. This scheme will provide some additional income support and I encourage anyone in Offaly who is eligible to apply.”