Rural Social Scheme

This programme is funded by:

The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides participants with farmer-friendly part-time work in their own locality at times that do not interfere with farm work. You, your spouse/civil partner/ cohabitant/child or sibling can work 19.5 hours each week. If you are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments, have a herd number and are actively farming you may be entitled to participate on the scheme and in return receive income support. The minimum weekly payment rate is €225.50

Louth Local Development implements The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) in Louth on behalf the Department of Social Protection. The scheme aims:

To provide income support for farmers and fishermen who are currently in receipt of specific long-term social welfare payments, and
To provide certain services of benefit to rural communities by using the skills and talents available among low-income farmers and fishermen.

If you get a place on the Scheme, you are offered a contract from your start date up to the following 31 March. You may be considered for further terms following the initial contract (maximum 6) , if you continue to meet the criteria for the Scheme. Louth Leader Partnership has a few places available on the Rural Social Scheme in various locations in the county. If you think you are eligible and would like to join the scheme contact Mavis Kelly on 041 6857374/5 or email mavis.kelly@lldc.ie

RSS calling all Community and Voluntary Groups

If you are a Community or Voluntary Group interested in availing of the services of a Rural Social Scheme participant for 19.5 hours per week, then Louth Local Development would be delighted to hear from you. The type of work carried out by RSS participants includes:

Maintaining and enhancing various walking routes (that is, waymarked ways, agreed walks) and bog roads
Energy conservation work for older people and those at risk of poverty
Village and countryside enhancement projects
Social care and care of older people, community care for both pre-school and after-school groups
Environmental maintenance work – maintenance and care-taking of community and sporting facilities
Projects relating to not-for-profit cultural and heritage centres
Community administration or clerical work

For more info on this programme please contact
Mavis Kelly