Agriculture payments for Mayo top €171m throughout 2025
Fianna Fáil Minister Dara Calleary has welcomed over €171.2 million in payments for Co. Mayo from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine during 2025.
The funding forms part of a €2.18 billion national package supporting farmers and fishers across the country.
Minister Calleary said the payments are vital for rural and coastal communities. He stated: “As we reach the end of 2025, it is crucial to recognise the importance of continued, targeted support for farmers and fishers, particularly in coastal and at-risk areas. These payments are not just financial supports; they are an investment in the future of rural and coastal Ireland.
“Farmers and fishers are under growing pressure from climate change, rising costs and market uncertainty. In marginal and coastal areas, these challenges are intensified by isolation and limited alternative employment. Sustained support is essential to protect livelihoods and community viability.”
He added: “In Fianna Fáil, we are committed to protecting family farm incomes and supporting generational renewal, with 2025 funding helping farmers maintain productive and environmentally sustainable practices. For fishers, the funding supports small-scale fleets, improves safety, encourages diversification and sustains coastal economies.”
Minister Calleary also acknowledged the work of party colleague Minister Dooley, highlighting the Seafood Development Programme 2021-2027, which includes 11 schemes providing €21.9 million in support to the fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors.
In addition, over €26.6 million has been invested in 2025 through the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme, which is a phased programme for the infrastructural development of Ireland’s publicly owned Fishery Harbours.
Concluding, Minister Calleary said Mayo has benefited from significant investment in 2025 and expressed confidence that further supports will follow in 2026.
“Farmers and fishers are custodians of our land and seas, producing world-class food while sustaining rural and coastal communities. Continued and expanded funding is vital to protect livelihoods, maintain population levels and keep food production rooted in local knowledge and tradition.
“Fianna Fáil is committed to supporting family farm incomes, generation renewal and the fishers by ensuring the importance of their work and need for support is not understated or underfunded.”
Minister of State Alan Dillon has also welcomed the funding. He said: “These payments are a lifeline for rural and coastal communities in Mayo, ensuring that families have the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods and continue producing world-class food.”
The Fine Gael representative added: “The scale of investment demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting enterprise and hard work in rural Ireland. Agriculture and fisheries are the backbone of our economy, and these schemes help secure their future.”