Ireland is now among the countries that can benefit from accelerated rural development payments following a vote of the European Parliament.

The European Commission fast-tracked the proposal in August to increase the EU contribution to the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) from around 50%, to 85%.

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Labour MEP Phil Prendergast said: "This has the potential to save the Irish taxpayer up to €98 million because the Exchequer will be contributing less to schemes such as REPS, AOS, DAPS the Leader programme.

"But the measure only lasts until the end of 2013 so it will be difficult to avail of its full value. The rate of 85% is only applicable when an amendment to a Member State's rural development programme has been approved by the Commission.

"I urge Minister Coveney to do all he can to maximise the value of this measure to our rural communities."

(CD)