About ACRES West Connacht

ACRES West Connacht is part of Ireland’s Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), operating across North West Connacht and South Mayo–Connemara. Running from 2023 to 2027, the project is focused on delivering a results-based, habitat-centred approach to improving biodiversity, water and air quality, climate resilience, and soil health in the region.

Led by Wetland Surveys Ireland in partnership with the Pearl Mussel Project and managed through WCCP Limited, the ACRES West Connacht Co-operation Project Team works closely with local farmers and communities. Their mission begins with the creation of a Local Action Plan, which sets out clear environmental objectives for six distinct subregions, guiding targeted implementation and long-term planning.

The project supports farmers through expert advisory services in ecology, habitat surveying, and sustainable agriculture. Participants benefit from habitat scoring, assistance with farm plan actions, training events, and support for both individual and collective efforts that drive environmental improvements.

In its first year, the project assessed around 170,000 hectares of commonage, enabling significant payment support for sustainable land management. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, ACRES West Connacht empowers farmers to lead the way in environmental stewardship across the region.