Hill Farming Council Report November 2025

Market Report 

ACRES

• A total of over €517.2 million has been paid to date to ACRES participants, of which almost €267.7 million is in respect of participation in the Scheme in 2024, while over €249.5 million relates to 2023 payments. 
• Approx 98% of all farmers have been paid in full for 2024, with processing of payments continuing on a weekly basis. 
• 125,000 scorecards were issued at the beginning of June of which 116,684 were submitted by the 31^st August deadline. 
• Claims can now be submitted in respect of Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) approved following the first two NPIs application windows. 1002 claims have been submitted to date. Payments will be made in line with agreed timelines laid down in the Farmers Charter of Rights 
• Applications for Landscape Actions closed on 30^th September. 240 applications were submitted. A second application tranche is expected to open Q1 2026.
• ACRES Tranche 1 participants may now avail of a voluntary ACRES training course by contacting an approved ACRES Trainer
• Advance payments for 2025 to be made in late November 2025.

Comhairle na Tuaithe

IFA continues to participate on Comhairle na Tuaithe and many of its sub-groups:

• SURS: Work continuing on MAP expansion. EoI & feedback given (Errigal; Comeragh; Croagh Patrick). Currently being finalised. Pilot Uplands Recreation Scheme has commenced in McGillicuddy Reek with a full-time officer appointed.
• Responsible Behaviour: Work continues on Responsible Behaviour in Outdoors message. Study completed by Design Works and the Behaviouralists with IFA providing feedback on final draft. A dedicated meeting to discuss the Comhairle position on dogs in the outdoors took place in July, with IFA represented by the members of the Hill and Sheep Committees. Following this, a draft statement/position has been formulated (below). IFA expressed concern re lack of reference to enforcement surrounding dog control, with no definition of ‘control’ provided. CnT will be meeting all members individually to discuss position. 

Draft Comhairle na Tuaithe Positioning Statement re Dog Control [Text underlined denotes IFA suggested amends/inclusions to CnT original text]

Protecting the countryside is a collective challenge for all of us. Whether dog owners, farmers, land managers, or visitors, understanding the rules that apply is crucial. No Dogs on the hills/active farmland means No Dogs Allowed. Otherwise, its dogs on a leash at all times. No excuses. You are responsible for your actions and that of your companions (whether two, or four legged friends).  

The consequences of irresponsible dog behaviour are severe and addressing them requires a united effort from us all – you and me. From danger to livestock and habitat destruction, every uncontrolled dog adds to the growing threat against farm families, livestock, wildlife, and public access. A hit for the next generation. 

We believe in respect for farmers, animals, the land, and fellow outdoor users. We stand for protection—defending the countryside we love by taking responsibility for our dogs. That includes leaving them at home when they aren’t allowed on the hills/uplands at the request of the landowner.

Education is fundamental. We must ensure every dog owner— especially those new to the countryside—understands their responsibilities. This requires clear, accessible, and ongoing communication through schools, community groups, digital platforms, and on-the-ground signage. 

Awareness alone isn’t enough—but it’s the essential first step. We need a coordinated national effort to educate all users of the outdoors on the importance of responsible dog ownership. By working together, we can foster a culture of responsible dog ownership that protects livelihoods and biodiversity while enriching the outdoor experience for everyone. 

Legislation and Enforcement have an important and key role to play too. We need strong interventions and penalties to ensure compliance. Key stakeholders need the necessary resources to be able to monitor and enforce what we all expect and demand, reprimanding malpractices when they occur. This is no time for half-hearted measures.    

This is about collective action. The problem worsens every day; if we don’t act now, we risk losing access, livelihoods, and the landscapes we cherish. Think of others first, control your dog. Protect our countryside. Before it’s too late

The trauma experienced by walkers, dog owners, farmers and livestock is long lasting and devastating. But it can be avoided by us all being responsible and aware of our actions. Are you consistently playing your part and doing the right thing? 

• SIOG: Progress continues most of the 68 actions within NORS assigned for delivery up to mid-2025. By the end June 2025, the following has been achieved: 
  • 36 of the actions are now fully complete; 
  • 20 of the actions are in progress, with work commenced but delivery not yet fully complete; 
  • 3 actions are delayed and have not yet commenced; 
  • Work is ongoing on the remaining 9 actions which do not have a completion date and are assigned for ongoing delivery during the lifetime of the strategy. 
• In May 2025, approval was given to add a further 22 trails onto the Walks Scheme. This brings to 164 the number of trails approved on the scheme, over 112 of which have been fully brought onto the scheme to date.
• The next National Outdoor Recreation Conference is due to take place in June 2026 in Co. Cavan. 

Activity since last Council

• Meeting of the IFA Hill Committee in on the farm of former Hill Chair Pat Dunne, Co. Wicklow
• Attended Responsible Behaviour Subgroup (online)
• Participated in dedicated meeting re Dog Control in the Outdoors with CnT 
• Attended meeting of Sustainable Uplands Recreation Scheme Subgroup
• Attended quarterly Comhairle na Tuaithe meeting in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
• Attended Irish Uplands Forum in Connemara

Upcoming Issues

• Next meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe on 20^th November 
• Continue to participate in various CnT subgroups