Irish farmers have been reminded of the impending deadline for completing work under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme.

Junior Farming Minister Tony Killeen said: "The deadline of 31 December 2008 for completion of investment works under the Scheme is a condition of the EU state aid approval governing the Scheme and the EU Commission has recently reaffirmed that it expects Ireland to respect this deadline strictly."

Minister Killeen said the department was continuing to process payments under the scheme and that all farmers who completed investment works in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Scheme would be paid their full entitlements.

"There is no doubt that the scheme already has dramatically transformed the Irish farming infrastructure through this major injection of capital and will leave the sector well-positioned to meet the highest international environmental standards required of Irish farming, as well as the changing market requirements.

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"It will also continue to strengthen the competitiveness of Irish agriculture into the future," said Mr Killeen.

"The financial commitment of this government to the scheme is very substantial particularly during these challenging economic times. This is demonstrated by the fact that, to date in 2008, €181.8 million has been paid out to farmers under the Scheme compared to €21 million in 2006 and €114 million in 2007."

Commenting on the 31 December deadline, the Minister of State pointed out that the terms and conditions of the Scheme made it clear that payment of grant-aid was conditional on this time limit being respected and the department had consistently held this position since the commencement of the scheme.

"The department is currently issuing its second written reminder to all farmers approved to commence work under the Scheme to ensure that all work is completed and a payment claim submitted to the Department by the end of this year. No farmer can, therefore, be unaware of the importance of meeting this deadline," added Minister Killeen.

(PR/JM)