Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
821. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the review of the agri-climate rural environment scheme; when this review is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6619/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Review of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), as announced at the end of October 2024, was undertaken by senior management within my Department. Meetings were held with farming bodies, advisory bodies and the ACRES Co-operation Project Teams as part of the Review. A draft report is currently at an advanced stage, and when completed will be presented for my consideration.
It is important to note that experience is being gained on an ongoing basis from the implementation of the Scheme, with this experience addressing many of the issues raised in relation to ACRES during its first year.
A total of almost €742 million has been paid to farmers up to 26th January 2026 in respect of their participation in ACRES. The issuing of payments has gathered considerable momentum this year as knowledge and experience of the scheme has improved and IT functionality has been deployed to address challenges that were encountered in previous years. This is evident from the fact that over 96% of the farmers in ACRES, equating to 51,659 of the 53,607 farmers currently in the Scheme, have now received their advance payment in respect of 2025. This is a significant improvement on this time last year, with just over 73% of participants having received their 2024 Advance payment by mid-January 2025.
As regards each of the Scheme years to date, almost €249.9 million has been paid to almost 99.9% of the eligible participants for 2023, over €268.9 million has been paid to just under 99% of the participants for 2024, and over €223.1 million has been paid so far in advance payments in respect of 2025.
The majority of outstanding cases relate to the death of the participant, with legalities to be finalised in respect to the herd number and contract.
All elements of ACRES have now been implemented, with a further €3.6 million also paid to date in respect of the implementation of Non-Productive Investments.
