About ACRES West Connacht

ACRES West Connacht is part of the Agri-climate, Rural Environmental Scheme (ACRES) launched by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in 2022. The scheme will run between 2023 and 2027. ACRES West Connacht includes the North West Connacht and South Mayo Connemara Co-operation Project zones. ACRES West Connacht is being administered by a local project team.

ACRES will replace the Green, Low-Carbon Agri Environmental Scheme (GLAS) when the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) begins in 2023.

This will be the strongest funded agri environment scheme to date at €300 million per year and will support farmers to meet meet the challenges of climate change. The flagship environmental scheme, will be user friendly for farmers, and will deliver broader environmental and biodiversity benefits.

The ACRES West Connacht project team will provide expertise on and assist with the implementation of actions at farm and landscape level.

How to join

Farmers wishing to join ACRES should contact their farm advisor who can submit an application on their behalf.

For more information and how to apply to join the scheme see details on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website here.

What environmental challenges will be addressed?

  • Agriculture’s contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

  • Carbon sink/emission source potential of soils

  • Energy use across farm systems

  • Increasing ammonia emissions

  • Decreasing water quality

  • Sub-optimal soil fertility

  • The pressure agriculture is placing on Ireland’s natural resources

  • The unfavourable or declining status of the majority of Ireland’s designated habitats and landscapes

  • Lack of forest area under protection

  • Preservation of biodiversity

  • Safeguarding landscapes and specific natural elements

  • Lack of climate adaptation measures