Bank of Ireland offers discounted loans to farmers affected by dry weather

Eoin Lowry Head of Agriculture, Bank of Ireland

Eoin Lowry, Head of Agriculture, Bank of Ireland

 

15 September 2026: Bank of Ireland is offering a discounted Working Capital Loan for agri customers impacted by the recent dry conditions. With a competitive and discounted variable rate of 4.88%*, 24-month term, and available from 21 September 2026 to 31 December 2026, this ensures quick and practical support for farmers experiencing cash flow pressures due to the dry weather.

Last month, Bank of Ireland urged farmers with cashflow concerns to engage as soon as possible with their bank, financial adviser or accountant to explore the flexible financing options to help deal with the impact of dry weather conditions.

Susan Russell, CEO, Retail Ireland, Bank of Ireland said: “As the leading lender to the farming sector, we support our agri customers in good times and bad. This summer has been a real challenge for farmers and our Working Capital Loan is intended to support otherwise viable farm businesses experiencing temporary cashflow pressures, for both existing and new customers. Extreme weather events are intensifying – we will continue to support customers during these challenging times.”

Bank of Ireland’s Agri and Business advisors are proactively engaging with customers, making tailored financial support measures available for farmers to manage both immediate pressures and longer-term resilience. The Bank anticipates an increase in support queries in the short term as farming businesses evaluate the financial and operational effects of prolonged dry weather.

In addition to this offering, Bank of Ireland has a range of flexible options for farmers who are facing cashflow tightness, including:

  • Overdraft facilities
  • Flexible term loans that are quick and easy to apply for
  • Enviroflex, our industry leading sustainability loan
  • Ability to retrospectively finance previous investments made from cash
  • Loan repayment holidays
  • Contact the dedicated team of Agri and Business Advisors in branch, over the phone or online
  • Our team of dedicated Agri Managers are also available to support: Agri Development Managers – Bank of Ireland Business Banking

Eoin Lowry, Head of Agriculture, Bank of Ireland said: “Summer 2026 has created exceptional challenges for Irish agriculture, with reduced grass growth and fodder availability. This has forced many livestock farmers to buy supplementary feed and use conserved forage much earlier than usual. Compounded by geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain issues, this has increased the risk of short-term cashflow pressure at farm level.

The discounted Working Capital Loan aims to assist farmers to manage their higher than usual operating costs. I would again encourage any farmer that is concerned to talk to us, so that we can ensure the farm finances are properly structured and devise a plan that will help overcome the current challenges.”

Bank of Ireland agri customers can contact a dedicated support line on 0818 210 614 (Monday-Friday, 9am -5pm). More information and terms and conditions on the Working Capital Loan are available Farm Loan – Agri Loan – Bank of Ireland.

ENDS

Additional information on the Working Capital Loan

  • *Interest Rate – Competitive variable rate of 4.88%, effective as of 14 September 2026
  • Loan Amount – Minimum €1,000 to Maximum €100,000
  • Availability – Initially available from 21/09/26 to 31/12/26
  • Loan Term – 24 months
  • Purpose – Working capital requirements arising within farming business including (but not limited to): Feed, Fertiliser, Seed purchases, Fuel costs, other farm input costs, and payment of outstanding trade creditor balances (including merchant and co-op accounts).