Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed confirmation that €741 million has now been paid to farmers under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).

The scheme represents a major investment in farming and the environment, with 60% of funding provided by central government, alongside EU support under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027. More than 53,600 farmers, representing over one-third of all farms nationally, are participating in ACRES.

As of 13 January 2026, payments issued include over €249.8 million for 2023, almost €268.8 million for 2024, and €222.6 million paid to date for 2025.

Advance payments for 2025 commenced on 6 November, with €222.6 million issued to 51,524 farmers, representing 96% of participants. This reflects improved payment delivery, with systems now in place to ensure payments are issued in line with the Farmers’ Charter.

Welcoming the figures, Minister Canney said: “€741 million has now been paid directly to farmers through ACRES, with the majority funded by the Exchequer. This scheme supports farm incomes while delivering real results for biodiversity, climate action and water quality.”

Beyond supporting farm incomes, ACRES is delivering visible improvements across rural Ireland’s landscapes, benefiting biodiversity, climate action and the long-term sustainability of the countryside.

ACRES has already delivered significant environmental benefits, including the planting of over 560,000 trees, the creation of over 2,300 kilometres of new hedgerows, and the rejuvenation of over 1,000 kilometres of existing hedgerows.