Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal Farmers Receive Vital BISS and CRISS Payments
Farmers across the North-West region of Ireland are set to receive a significant financial injection as advance payments under the 2025 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) schemes begin issuing today, Thursday, October 16.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, T.D., announced the start of the payments. Minister of State Marian Harkin welcomed the development, confirming that over €53 million will flow directly into the economies of Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal in the coming days, providing a crucial stimulus for the region.
Regional Breakdown of Allocations
According to the Department’s figures, the total allocation for the North-West is €53.1 million, distributed as follows:
| County | Allocation | Number of Herds |
| Donegal | €29.4 million | 7,701 |
| Sligo | €12.8 million | 3,545 |
| Leitrim | €10.9 million | 3,153 |
Minister Harkin highlighted the importance of this support for maintaining the fabric of rural Ireland, especially for areas characterised by smaller, more marginal holdings. “These payments are absolutely vital for sustaining farm families and the rural communities that depend on them,” she stated.
Economic Ripple Effect
The Minister emphasised that this investment is a “strong recognition of the central role small and medium-sized farms play in regional sustainability.”
“This funding does not stop at the farm gate—it immediately circulates through local businesses, co-ops, and service providers across the North-West. It is both a direct income for farm families and a necessary trade boost for the entire rural economy,” she added.
Minister Harkin commended the Department of Agriculture for ensuring that over 93% of eligible applicants are receiving payments immediately, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Farmers’ Charter pledge of timely delivery. She urged any farmer with outstanding administrative requirements to engage with the Department promptly to finalise their payments.
