Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has confirmed that €15.3 million in Eco-Scheme advance payments is being issued to 10,044 farmers across County Galway.

The payments are part of a national allocation of over €207 million to more than 107,000 farmers, announced today by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon.

Minister Canney said the payments would provide important financial support to farm families across Galway.

“Farming is central to life in so many communities across Galway, and these payments will make a real difference to thousands of farm families.

“With rising costs continuing to put pressure on farmers, getting these payments out as quickly as possible is important. This €15.3 million will also support the wider rural economy, with much of that money going back into local businesses and services.

“The Eco-Scheme recognises the work farmers are doing to protect our environment, improve water quality and support biodiversity, while continuing to produce food and manage their land.”

The advance payments are being made at a rate of 75%, an increase from the 70% paid in recent years. The Eco-Scheme payment rate remains at €66 per eligible hectare for 2026.

Nationally, 90% of eligible applicants have now received an advance payment, with the money expected to appear in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days.

Minister Canney also encouraged farmers who have outstanding documentation or information requests from the Department of Agriculture to respond as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving their payments.

Farmers who applied under Agricultural Practice 3 and/or Agricultural Practice 5 are also reminded to submit their closing stocks on the National Fertiliser Database.

The Department will continue processing outstanding applications as they meet the scheme requirements.

Farmers with queries about their payments can contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk on 057 8674422 or submit a query through www.MyAgfood.ie.