We are a registered irish charity located and serving the area of
the Beara Peninsula, West Cork, Ireland.
Work with us at Beara Equine Support
Fundraiser Position 19.5 hours per week:
We are looking for someone with an interest in animal welfare to help us raise funds.
Knowledge of equines is not a pre-requisite.
Recruitment Stages:
1. Check your eligibility for a scheme.
2. Contact us for Job Description.
Enquire About Eligibility
All enquiries treated in confidence.
Contact Arran O’Driscoll of WCDP
023 88 34035
086 8412539
You may be eligible to work with us by participating on either the Rural Social Scheme or the Rural Dwellers Scheme.
1. The Rural Social Scheme
The scheme provides additional income to lower-income farmers and fisherpersons who are receiving certain social welfare payments.
To take part, a person must generally (and enquiries are welcome):
• be actively farming or fishing and hold a Herd Number or Fishing Licence
• be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment
• be aged 25 or over
Participants work 19.5 hours per week.
These hours are based on a farmer or fisher-friendly schedule. This ensures that participation on the scheme does not affect your farming or fishing activities.
Payment
Payment is based on the participants social welfare rate plus an extra €32.50, with a minimum weekly payment of €286.50.
Participants may also receive extra increases for a qualified adult or child dependants.
A Class A social insurance (PRSI) contribution is paid on behalf of all participants in the scheme which helps build entitlement to a wide range of social welfare benefits including the State Contributory Pension.
From 1 January 2026, eligibility rules have been widened to include people who have a “defined connection” to the farming or fishing activity.
With the agreement of the Herd Number or Fishing Licence holder, the following people may qualify for the RSS:
family members of the person who holds the Herd Number or Fishing Licence,
- OR
- people who are not family members but who are actively involved in the farm or fishing work.
Couples farming or fishing may now both join the RSS using the same Herd Number or Fishing Licence.
2. Rural Dwellers Pilot Scheme – NEW!
A person may qualify for this scheme, if they are:
a person who is 50 years or over,
in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment to access the RSS and
whose primary residence is in a rural area.
Important to note:
If you are not in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment at the moment, you may still be eligible.
If you qualify for a payment of only €1, this means you would qualify for either the RSS or the Rural Dwellers Scheme.
Once hired on the scheme, the weekly rate on RSS or Rural Dwellers would be topped up to the minimum which is €286.50.
Enquiries regarding Eligibility are Welcome!
Any queries will be dealt with in confidence.
Please contact Arran O Driscoll of West Cork Development Partnership at 023 88 34035 or 086 8412539.
At Equine Support, there is a group of volunteers who make a significant contribution to the lives of equines and their owners.
In a crisis situation, our volunteers show up when their help is critically needed. The work of Equine Support would not be possible without their contribution of time, experience, knowledge and willingness to help others and their animals in the community.