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 advance payments under the 2025 Eco-Scheme, with more than €15.1 million now issuing to 10,513 Galway farmers.

The payments form part of almost €195 million nationally to 109,853 farmers under the scheme, which rewards actions that benefit the climate, environment, water quality, and biodiversity.

Minister Canney said the announcement represents a vital boost for family farms across rural Galway and builds on last week’s Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) payments.

“This is another major tranche of support for Galway farmers, recognising their role as custodians of our landscape and contributors to environmental sustainability,” Minister Canney said.

“The Eco-Scheme is about rewarding farmers who are taking tangible steps to protect biodiversity and improve water and soil quality. These payments are a practical acknowledgment of that commitment and a welcome injection into the rural economy at a crucial time of year.”

Advance payments under the Eco-Scheme are commencing at a rate of 70%, consistent with 2024 and 2023 levels, with 93% of eligible farmers paid today. The full payment rate for 2025 is €66 per eligible hectare.

The €194.5 million payment today builds on the Basic Income Support for Sustainability advance payment last week of €511 million to over 110,500 farmers meaning that total advance payments on BISS, CRISS and Eco-scheme over the last week amounts to over €705 million.

Minister Canney said the ongoing rollout of these schemes demonstrates the Government’s commitment to timely payments and to supporting sustainable farming under the Farmers’ Charter of Rights.

“Farmers in Galway and across the country are meeting the challenges of environmental sustainability head-on,” he added. “Ensuring that these payments reach them promptly is critical to maintaining confidence in our rural economy.”

Farmers can contact the Department’s Direct Payments Helpdesk at 057 867 4422 or submit queries online via www.MyAgfood.ie.