Fine Gael Kerry TD, Brendan Griffin, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD, that the closing date for receipt of derogation applications under the 2012 Disadvantaged Area Scheme is being extended.

He said: "This is an issue that I have been raising with the Minister on a regular basis, and it will come as considerable relief to many farmers in Kerry that they are being given some extra time to submit their applications. The extension of the deadline to August 31st will give farmers and their agricultural planners the best possible opportunity to submit a comprehensive application.

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"Given the condition of the land, the amount of small farms and the relatively high number of farmers in disadvantaged areas in Kerry, this extension is particularly beneficial for the county.

"Minister Coveney gave a commitment that anyone who failed to meet the revised stocking density required under the 2012 Scheme would have an opportunity to apply for a derogation. As a result, about 10,000 beneficiaries from 2011 have been given the opportunity to apply under specific categories.

"I welcome the flexible approach being taken by the Minister to this issue. While many farmers have already sent in their applications, many others have not, and the extension to the deadline will give them some extra time to get their applications together. The Minister has listened to concerns expressed by me and others involved in the farming community, and has responded proactively."

(CD)