Macra’s annual report for 2025 showed an 18.5% increase in income during the year to €3.26m and an 11% increase in spending to €3.04m. Once a small net gain on investments is accounted for, the charitable organisation had a surplus for the year of €228,859.

This is a significant improvement on the surplus of €19,214 recorded in 2024, and a welcome turnaround from the deficit of over €400,000 recorded in 2023.

Membership fees

The biggest single increase in revenue at Macra in 2025 was from a surge in membership fees which increased by 32% to €795,413. This was driven by changes in the membership fee structure and a 28% increase in the number of members. The grant from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs saw a 19% increase to €714,144. Income from milk levies was slightly higher at €345,172.

On the expenditure side, the cost of raising funds was €218,346, and charitable activities were €2.483m. Included in that were salary expenses of €1.02m and travel, subsistence, board, council and president expenses of €229,719. The number of employees at the end of the year was 24, with three earning more than €60,000, down from five the previous year.

There was an expense of €103,800 taken for doubtful debts, and the outstanding bank loan was reduced to €37.350.

Mick Curran, CEO of Macra, said: “Financially, we are in a far better position than we were two years ago. This has been achieved through the efforts of many people.”