The Department of Agriculture’s helpdesk for relevant schemes is a vital resource for farmers to address any queries and communicate on various aspects of schemes.
Its importance was recently highlighted by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon in the wake of the 15 May deadline for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) other area-based schemes.
The minister outlined how the direct payments helpdesk in Portlaoise made and received over 10,110 calls in the period from 1 April 2025 to 15 May 2025.
The helpdesk also conducted over 330 face-to-face communications in their public office in Portlaoise.
While face-to-face or phone interaction is often the preferred communication route for queries, the Department’s email system for the different schemes is also a useful resource and may be necessary in some instances.
For example, a reduction in the scheme reference number in the Sheep Improvement Scheme or the National Sheep Welfare Scheme requires written notification to denote such.
Email correspondence can also be useful where there is a complicated question and getting clarification in writing is easier to digest.
Postal address
The Department’s address for the Direct Payments Unit in Portlaoise is: Government Buildings, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois, R32 RPA6. This covers schemes such as the Basic Income Support Scheme, Entitlements, Young Farmers, National Reserve, ECO, ANC, beef schemes, Protein Aid and Straw Incorporation Measure.The Department’s address for the main Wexford office in Johnstown Castle is: Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford, Y35 PN52. This covers schemes including ACRES, Forestry, GLAS, Organics and TAMS.The Department’s address for its accountsdivision and agfood helpdesk is: Government Offices, Farnham Street, Cavan, Co Cavan, H12 D459.The table below details a range of schemes and useful contacts.
The Department of Agriculture’s helpdesk for relevant schemes is a vital resource for farmers to address any queries and communicate on various aspects of schemes.
Its importance was recently highlighted by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon in the wake of the 15 May deadline for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) other area-based schemes.
The minister outlined how the direct payments helpdesk in Portlaoise made and received over 10,110 calls in the period from 1 April 2025 to 15 May 2025.
The helpdesk also conducted over 330 face-to-face communications in their public office in Portlaoise.
While face-to-face or phone interaction is often the preferred communication route for queries, the Department’s email system for the different schemes is also a useful resource and may be necessary in some instances.
For example, a reduction in the scheme reference number in the Sheep Improvement Scheme or the National Sheep Welfare Scheme requires written notification to denote such.
Email correspondence can also be useful where there is a complicated question and getting clarification in writing is easier to digest.
Postal address
The Department’s address for the Direct Payments Unit in Portlaoise is: Government Buildings, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois, R32 RPA6. This covers schemes such as the Basic Income Support Scheme, Entitlements, Young Farmers, National Reserve, ECO, ANC, beef schemes, Protein Aid and Straw Incorporation Measure.The Department’s address for the main Wexford office in Johnstown Castle is: Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford, Y35 PN52. This covers schemes including ACRES, Forestry, GLAS, Organics and TAMS.The Department’s address for its accountsdivision and agfood helpdesk is: Government Offices, Farnham Street, Cavan, Co Cavan, H12 D459.The table below details a range of schemes and useful contacts. 
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: