Funding for farm safety initiatives in Mountbellew

Tractor driving safety awareness

MOUNTBELLEW Agricultural College has been allocated over €28,000 in funding for farm safety and wellbeing initiatives.

The funding comes from the government’s 2026 Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing Open Call, which saw €1.8million being made available to fund projects across the country.

Mountbellew were allocated €18,000 for Tractor Driving Safety Awareness Training for young people aged 14 and over, €7,300 for an Improving Farm Safety initiative, and €3,000 for a programme aimed at supporting older farmers.

“Farming is one of the most demanding and high-risk occupations in the country, so investment like this is extremely important,” stated Junior Minister for Transport Sean Canney.

“Mountbellew Agricultural College has played a hugely important role in agricultural education, and it is very welcome to see over €28,000 being invested locally in projects that will help improve safety awareness and support farmers at different stages of life.”

The Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing Open Call forms part of the Department of Agriculture’s dedicated farm safety budget. It saw 46 projects funded nationwide.

The projects are focused on farmer physical and mental health, livestock handling, machinery safety, health checks and chainsaw training.

They will also support initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and improving wellbeing across the farming community.