FARM-Up | Coimín Beo launched in Mayo by Minister Dara Calleary
South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) has officially launched the FARM‑Up | Coimín Beo European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project in County Mayo, with Minister Dara Calleary performing the formal launch at an event in Tiernaur attended by local farmers, community representatives, and project partners.
The project will focus on commonage management, farmer engagement, citizen‑science initiatives, farmer typology, and the development of appropriate management practices for upland systems.
Participation is voluntary, and the open call for expressions of interest in both counties has already attracted strong engagement from farmers.
The project aims to deliver practical actions on the ground, generate evidence for future funding, and influence national and European policy to better reflect the realities of upland commonage farming.
Launching the initiative, Minister Dara Calleary praised the determination and leadership shown by the commonage farming community.
“FARM‑Up | Coimín Beo is a powerful example of what can be achieved when farmers lead the way. The knowledge, experience and deep connection that commonage farmers have with these uplands is irreplaceable.
"Their stewardship is central to biodiversity, sustainable land management, and the future of rural communities.
"I commend every farmer who has stepped forward to be part of this project, it simply could not happen without you.”
The minister also acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the project.
“I thank South West Mayo Development Company, the Operational Group, and all the strategic partners for their commitment. This is exactly the kind of locally‑driven, community‑rooted innovation that the EIP programme was designed to support.”
A Farmer‑Led Vision Eight Years in the Making
Speaking at the launch, local commonage farmer, Tony O’Donnell highlighted the long journey to securing this EIP project, which spans two upland commonage regions: Shramore to Mulranny in Mayo and the Earagail area of northwest Donegal.
“When the first application fell through back in 2018, we didn’t throw in the towel,” he said.
“We know the worth of the hills we’re farming, and we keep going. That’s why we’re here today, because the farmers kept at it and wouldn’t let this opportunity go.”
The journey to securing this EIP project, which spans two upland commonage regions — Shramore to Mulranny in Mayo and the Earagail area of northwest Donegal — has been a long one.
“When the first application fell through back in 2018, we didn’t throw in the towel,” he said. “We know the worth of the hills we’re farming, and we keep going. That’s why we’re here today, because the farmers kept at it and wouldn’t let this opportunity go.”
He added that flexibility and the voluntary nature of the EIP are essential, given the wide range of commonage farmers who have expressed interest in the scheme.
Ensuring adequate funding so farmers can carry out meaningful actions on the ground will also be critical to its success.
Partnership Approach
An Operational Group has been established, comprising 13 farmers from Mayo and Donegal and 12 representatives from strategic partner organisations including Wild Atlantic Nature (WAN) LIFE, Cairde na hEaragail, ACRES West Connacht, ACRES Donegal, the Marine Institute, LAWPRO, Teagasc, ATU, Mayo and Donegal County Councils, Údarás na Gaeltachta and NPWS.
“From a technical point of view, this project only works because everyone is pulling in the same direction,” said Derek McLoughlin, Project Manager with WAN LIFE.
“The farmers bring generations of knowledge of these hills, and when that’s combined with good science and proper monitoring, you get real results. Collaboration isn’t just a nice idea here — it’s the engine that needs to drive the whole project.”
Acknowledging Local Representatives
South West Mayo Development Company extended its appreciation to the elected representatives who attended and who have shown ongoing interest in the project.
The launch brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including Deputies Rose Conway‑Walsh and Keira Keogh, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Cllr Seán Carey, Cathaoirleach of the Westport–Belmullet Municipal District Cllr Peter Flynn, and Cllr Paul McNamara.
“We are very grateful to Minister Calleary, Deputies Rose Conway‑Walsh and Keira Keogh, our local Cathaoirligh and Councillors for their support,” said Ms Trench.
“Their engagement demonstrates the importance of upland farming to the local social, cultural and economic fabric of our rural areas.”
Farmers at the Heart of the EIP
A central theme of the launch was the recognition that commonage farmers are the key to the success of FARM‑Up | Coimín Beo.
“These farmers have been minding these hills for generations,” said cathaoirleach Councillor Seán Carey.
“They know every inch of the place, and it’s their hard work, their grit, and their willingness to try new ways that will shape the future of these uplands. This whole project is built around them, their knowledge, their needs, and their hopes for the land.”
Looking Ahead
With staff now recruited and the Operational Group in place, the project will soon begin selecting demonstration sites and working directly with participating farmers.
“We look forward to the months and years ahead as FARM‑Up | Coimín Beo begins to deliver real, measurable benefits for farmers, communities and the environment,” Ms Trench concluded.
“Our hope is that this project will have a positive impact on commonage farmers and their families for generations to come.”