Since the scheme began in 2013, Roscommon farmers have received some of the lowest levels of Microfinance Ireland (MFI) support in recent years, with just three loans approved, amounting to €52,499. The figures, released in response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil TD Albert Dolan, highlight a significant regional disparity in the disbursement of funds to agricultural enterprises.
Neighbouring counties recorded higher allocations, with Galway receiving €193,500 across ten loans, while Mayo saw €241,300 distributed across 15 loans.
Leitrim had six loans totalling €105,999, and Sligo recorded €78,900 over the same number. Longford farmers received the least support in the region, with a single loan amounting to €14,000.
Since its inception, Microfinance Ireland has disbursed a total of €3.25m in loans to farmers, with dairy enterprises receiving the highest share at €642,749. Other cattle enterprises received 28 loans totalling €455,900.
Mixed farming operations were also well supported, securing €344,000 across 21 loans. At the lower end, just one loan of €15,000 was granted to pig farming, with a similar amount allocated to tree fruit and nut farming.
MFI provides financial assistance to small enterprises unable to secure loans from commercial banks, with loan limits increasing from €25,000 to €50,000 in September 2024.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke noted that 78 percent of all microenterprise loans approved in 2023 were for businesses outside Dublin.
He says the scheme remains a key funding source for rural and agricultural enterprises, particularly in sectors struggling with access to traditional credit.
