More than 2,100 applications have been made to the Government's fuel support scheme for farmers and agricultural contractors within its first week.
The scheme opened last Wednesday and received 1,570 applications within its first 72 hours.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has weclomed the number of applications to the the scheme to date.
"I'm delighted at such a fast pick up rate and I would urge farmers and farm contractors to get onto this as soon as possible. The scheme is really easy to apply for with minimal administration and the big numbers applied for date shows how straightforward the process is", he said.
Farm representative groups had previously warned Government that the scheme must be accessible for users with payments to quickly follow.
The supports were announced off the back of last month's fuel protests, which included the blockade of Ireland's only oil refinery at Whitegate in County Cork.
Farmers are expected to be paid around 20c per litre under the scheme, with a minimum payment of €100.
Payments due to applicants will be calculated once all claims have been submitted.
No maximum limit on payments has been set until officials can gauge the total number of applicants to the scheme.
Payments are due by the end of June.
The Department of Transport is to soon open a similar scheme for hauliers, with those who drive construction vehicles also in line for supports.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has welcomed the number of applications to the the scheme to date.
"I'm delighted at such a fast pick up rate and I would urge farmers and farm contractors to get onto this as soon as possible," he said.
"The scheme is really easy to apply for with minimal administration and the big numbers applied for date shows how straightforward the process is."
Farm representative groups had previously warned Government that the scheme must be accessible for users with payments to quickly follow.
