Donegal’s highest numbers of unpaid ACRES is a ‘failure of political leadership’

The Government has been slammed for the high number of unpaid ACRES payments in Donegal. 

ACRES payments are part of Ireland's Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, a national results-based scheme designed to support farmers in improving environmental outcomes on their land.

Donegal TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD addressed the payments during parliamentary questions. “Currently, there are 253 people in Donegal still waiting to be paid as part of the ACRES scheme and, incredibly, 40 of these payments are outstanding since 2023 - the most in the state.

“All of these farming families are now in financial limbo and this actively undermines the very purpose of the scheme itself. The ACRES scheme was intended to be not just an environmental scheme, but as a central pillar of rural development in places like Donegal. It is meant to empower farmers to act as custodians of their farms, while supporting them to stay living and working in rural areas. These delays are not just technical glitches — they are undermining that whole vision.

"Sinn Féin has repeatedly called for urgent action from the government to rectify this issue and deliver fairness for farmers, including demanding 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.

“Our calls have not been heard by the government. This is not a minor technical issue. It is a failure of political leadership. Farmers and rural communities deserve better. The government must take responsibility, set an immediate end date, and deliver the payments owed without further delay. Donegal farmers cannot be expected to wait any longer."