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 strong level of applications from Galway farmers under the 2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and area-based schemes.
New figures released by the Department of Agriculture show that 11,422 applications were submitted from Galway before the 15 May deadline – one of the highest totals in the country.
Nationally, 122,151 farmers submitted applications covering a wide range of farm support schemes including the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), the Eco Scheme, Complementary Redistribution Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS), Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF), Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC), ACRES and the Organic Farming Scheme.
The Department confirmed that:
- approximately 119,300 farmers applied for BISS
- approximately 119,300 applied for CRISS
- 118,653 applied for the Eco Scheme
- 115,094 applied for the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme
Minister Canney said the figures reflect both the importance of these payments to farm families and the huge effort made by farmers and advisors to complete applications on time.
“Farming remains the backbone of so many rural communities in Galway and these supports are hugely important for farm families right across the county and country.
“The fact that more than 11,400 applications were submitted from Galway alone shows just how important these schemes are in supporting family farms, sustaining rural livelihoods and keeping communities strong.”
Minister Canney also acknowledged the work carried out by farm advisors and Department staff in supporting farmers through the application process.
“There is a huge amount of work involved in completing these applications and I want to acknowledge the efforts made by farmers, agricultural advisors and Department staff over recent months to help ensure applications were submitted on time.
Farmers who have already submitted their applications can still make amendments online through agfood.ie until 31 May without penalty.
