Farming: Delay on ACRES payments undermining rural communities and environmental goals

The delay in the issuing of ACRES payments on time has left thousands of farming families in financial limbo, and is undermining the purpose of the scheme, according to Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness.

Responding to a Parliamentary Question from Deputy McGuinness, the Minister for Agriculture confirmed that 1,492 farmers remain unpaid for 2023, with 6,700 still waiting for their 2024 advance payment. 

While the Department claims the “vast majority” will be paid by the end of May, many cases may not be resolved until late June — nearly two years after applications opened.

“ACRES was designed not just as an environmental scheme, but as a core pillar of rural development,” Deputy McGuinness said. “It is meant to empower farmers to act as custodians of the land, while supporting them to stay living and working in rural areas. 

"These delays are not just technical glitches — they are undermining that whole vision.” 

Recent figures from the ICSA show over 10,000 farmers still waiting on payments — with more than 2,700 yet to receive even their balancing payment for 2023. 

The ICSA has demanded a fixed and non-negotiable end date, warning that faith in the scheme is collapsing.

Deputy McGuinness continued: “Farmers have delivered their side of the bargain. They’ve implemented environmental measures, made investments, and adapted their work practices. 

"In return, they’ve been left chasing payments, waiting on IT systems, and getting excuse after excuse from Government. This is not how rural development is supposed to work.

“This Government talks about balanced regional development, about sustainability and community renewal. But when it comes to delivering core income supports like ACRES, they’ve failed — and that failure is now having real-world consequences for rural families, local economies and the environmental goals the scheme was set up to achieve.” 

Sinn Féin is calling for urgent action to restore trust in ACRES and deliver fairness for participants, including a fixed deadline of May 31 for all outstanding 2023 and 2024 payments, immediate processing and payment in cases delayed by administrative or IT issues, and a permanent resourcing plan for ACRES administration to prevent a repeat of this crisis.

“This is not a minor technical issue. It is a failure of political leadership. Farmers and rural communities deserve better. 

"The Minister must take responsibility, set an immediate end date, and deliver the payments owed,” Deputy McGuinness concluded.