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 the commencement of almost €20 million in payments to Galway farmers under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme.

A total of 9,433 farmers in Galway are receiving payments worth €19,974,237 as part of the first payment run under the scheme.

Nationally, advance payments totalling €179 million have issued to more than 85,000 farmers.

The payments currently issuing represent an 85% advance under the ANC Scheme, with the remaining 15% balance due to commence in early December.

Minister Canney said: “Almost €20 million is now being paid to more than 9,400 farmers across County Galway under the ANC Scheme.

“These payments are extremely important to farm families, particularly those farming in areas where there are natural constraints, and they also provide a significant boost to the wider rural economy.

“The payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days. I would encourage anyone who has outstanding evidence to submit in support of their application to do so as soon as possible so their payment can be processed.”

Regular payment runs will continue in the coming weeks as further applications are cleared.

Minister Canney also noted that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is on track to facilitate the 75% advance payment under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), Complementary Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) and Eco-scheme from 16 October 2026.

Farmers with queries can contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk on 057 8674422 or submit queries through agfood.ie.