Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has written to the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, urging him to ensure that delays in approving Landscape Actions under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) are addressed as soon as possible.
ACRES is Ireland’s €1.5 billion flagship agri-environment scheme, designed to help up to 50,000 farm families implement measures that protect biodiversity and improve air, water, and soil quality. Under the scheme, farmers can take part in general environmental actions or more targeted landscape actions in upland cooperation areas, such as North Louth and the Cooley Mountains. These targeted actions require Department approval before payments can be issued.
Speaking on the issue, Deputy McGreehan said, “Farmers right across the country have gone to tremendous lengths to change their practices to help transition to a greener and cleaner future. They are playing their part, so it is only right that they receive the support needed to continue this work.
“The Government has introduced numerous strong schemes to support farmers in this transition, and we’ve seen real progress. Now we need to ensure these schemes roll out efficiently so farmers can access the funds, put them to use on their farms, and fully benefit from their commitment.”
Following a parliamentary question she tabled, Deputy McGreehan received a reply indicating that Landscape Actions will not be agreed until later this year, with payments not expected until 2026.
She continued, “Farmers in upland cooperation areas, particularly in North Louth and the Cooley Mountains, have been waiting years for clarity. These are among the most economically vulnerable farming families in the country, and they are working hard to be part of our green transition. They deserve certainty and timely support.”
In her letter to the Minister this week, Deputy McGreehan outlined three practical actions to provide greater certainty to farmers:
“I am asking the Minister to guarantee that payments will be backdated in full for all eligible works, to provide a definitive timeline for when decision letters and payments will issue, and to put in place a clear plan to remove any remaining administrative blockages. Farmers need clarity and fairness so they can plan with confidence.”
Concluding, Deputy McGreehan said, “Farmers in these areas have shown great patience and real dedication to improving the environment. It is important they receive the clarity and financial support they were told they would get when this scheme was first announced.”
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
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