Hill Farming Council Report February 2026

ACRES

• Advance payments under ACRES for the 2025 scheme year commenced in early November, with approximately €222.5 million paid so far and 96% of participants now fully paid for 2025.
• Payments for earlier scheme years are largely complete, with almost €250 million issued for the 2023 scheme year, covering over 99% of participants, and €268.8 million paid in respect of 2024, with almost 99% of participants having received payment.
• Overall ACRES payments since the scheme began in 2023 now exceed €742 million.
• In relation to the ACRES scheme, NPI screening is currently ongoing for 3,365 Annual Work Plans (AWPs), while payment claim submission remains relatively low, with 26% of 2023 AWPs and 9% of 2024 AWPs submitted to date. 
• The submission deadline for NPI claims has been extended to 31 March 2026.
• Screening of Landscape Actions has been completed and approvals have issued, and a second Landscape Actions application window is expected to open in Q1 2026.

Comhairle na Tuaithe

• Work has continued across relevant Comhairle subgroups re implementation of strategic actions outlined in the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. A key focus over the last two years has been the development of an agreed Comhairle position on Dogs in the outdoors. Following two recent meetings of the subgroup, the text of the agreed position has been redrafted slightly from previous report. 

Comhairle na Tuaithe’s agreed position on responsible dog management in Ireland’s outdoors

Protecting the countryside is a collective challenge for all of us. Whether you are a dog owner, farmer, land manager, activity provider, or recreational visitor, understanding and adhering to the different rules that apply in all areas is crucial.

We also recognise the many benefits associated with dog ownership and we support the provision of dog-friendly amenities.   Where permitted, amenities such as shared use trails like Greenways, Blueways and other recreational trails can be suitable if the dog is kept on a short lead.   Equally, we recognise that there are outdoor places which are not suitable to bring a dog for exercise, including upland areas and farmland.

Importance of Responsible Dog Management

• The consequences of irresponsible dog management are severe and addressing them requires a united effort.
• Every uncontrolled dog risks harming the livelihood of farm families, livestock, wildlife, habitats, public access and people’s enjoyment of the outdoors.
• A responsible dog owner is one that always complies with the rule of law and the requests of landowners and land managers.
• We support more effective use of existing legislation to ensure that there are consequences for irresponsible behaviours and will contribute, as appropriate, to any process aimed at the strengthening of dog control legislation. 

Education

• Awareness is an essential first step, however we need a coordinated national effort to educate all users of the outdoors on the importance of responsible dog management. 
• We must ensure that all dog owners, especially those new to the countryside, understand their responsibilities.
• Clear communication through government departments and state agencies is needed, as well as through schools, communities and user groups, using best practice to ensure accessible and ongoing messaging through digital platforms and on-the-ground signage.

The members of Comhairle na Tuaithe believe in respect for farmers and their animals, for nature, for rural residents and all users of the outdoors. If we don’t act now, we risk losing access, farm livelihoods, and the landscapes we cherish. By working together, we will foster a culture of responsible behaviour in the outdoors including responsible dog management that protects livelihoods and biodiversity while enriching the outdoor experience for everyone.

Activity since last Council

• Caillin Conneely completed his term as IFA Hill Chair in January. Following a meeting of the IFA Hill Committee, James Gallagher (Leitrim) was elected as the new Chair.  Tony O Donnell (Mayo) was elected as Vice-Chair. The Committee thanks Caillin for as his hard work over the last four years and wish him all the best for the future. 
• Attended Responsible Behaviour Subgroup (online).
• Attended meeting of Sustainable Uplands Recreation Scheme Subgroup.
• Attended quarterly Comhairle na Tuaithe meeting in Dublin.
• Represented Committee at Nature Restoration Law Leaders Forum re Land, Forests and Rivers in Athlone. 

Upcoming Issues

• Next meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe on 19^th February.  
• Continue to participate in various Comhairle na Tuaithe subgroups.