Budget Must Deliver Real Increases in Sheep Supports

IFA Sheep Chair Adrian Gallagher said the Government must use next week’s Budget to support the sheep sector through increased direct payments and a commitment to ensure farmers receive full payments under the current Sheep Welfare Scheme.

He said there must be no linear cuts applied to the Sheep Welfare Scheme payments in 2026. “Any additional funding required to pay farmers in full for the actions carried out on farms this year must be secured to ensure there are no cuts to payments under the scheme.” 

IFA is seeking an increase in the Sheep Scheme payment to €23/ewe, which when combined with the Sheep Improvement Scheme, would bring total direct support to €35/ewe. An additional €10/ewe must also be provided for hill sheep farmers, while the scheme must be maintained and strengthened to support farmers lambing ewes.

“We are losing sheep and we are losing production. The Budget must provide a clear increase in direct support to stabilise the national flock and give farmers the confidence to continue producing lambs. The Minister must also provide greater financial support for labour-saving equipment and farm infrastructure to support the viability of sheep enterprises,” he said.

He said action is also required on dog control, with resources and funding needed for an effective dog warden service in every county, and sufficient staffing to enforce the obligations on dog owners.

“This Budget must mark a change in direction and provide the targeted support needed to stabilise the national flock and give sheep farmers a viable future,” he said.