Major boost for Leitrim farmers as sheep scheme payments roll out across northwest

Leitrim farmers are set to benefit significantly as part of almost €3.7 million in Sheep Improvement Scheme payments being issued across Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal.

In Leitrim alone, 575 farmers will receive €629,136. In Sligo, 676 farmers will receive €708,145, while Donegal will see 3,083 farmers receiving €2,362,514. 

These counties contain some of the highest concentrations of sheep farming nationally.

Sligo-Leitrim TD and Minister of State Marian Harkin welcomed the funding announcement by Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon. The overall figure issued nationwide is €16.91 million.

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“I am delighted to see that 85 percent advance payments, totalling almost €17 million, have started issuing to farmers under the Sheep Improvement Scheme. For the 4,334 farmers in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, today’s payments provide vital support to their sheep enterprises and their wider rural economies.”

The Scheme supports improved animal health and welfare, delivering €12 per breeding ewe for enhanced welfare actions. Combined with the €11.50 per ewe available under the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme, total support will reach €23.50 per ewe next year, an increase on the 2024 rate.

Speaking about the need for timely delivery, the Minister added: “I am acutely aware of how essential these payments are, particularly for farmers in counties like Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal where sheep farming is such an integral part of rural life. These payments will issue promptly in line with commitments under the Charter of Rights for Farmers.”

She also highlighted the broader scale of Government backing for the sector: “In November alone, €33.35 million has issued to sheep farmers through a range of support schemes. This demonstrates the Government’s strong, continued commitment to the sector and particularly to farmers in the northwest.”

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Minister Harkin encouraged farmers to respond quickly to any departmental queries: “If any farmer has received correspondence seeking documentation or clarification, I urge them to reply as soon as possible so the Department of Agriculture can continue processing outstanding cases. Farmers must also ensure they submit their annual Sheep Census returns on time to remain eligible for payments under both sheep schemes.”