The majority of land (98%) that was eligible for Areas of Natural Constraint payment in 2018 will remain in the €250m scheme for 2019.

Around 700 townlands will be taken out of the scheme, affecting around 760 farmers, Department officials said. However, more than 2,000 townlands will enter the scheme for the first time.

Those losing out will receive a degressive phasing out payment in 2019 and 2020. A map published by the Department of Agriculture shows that Limerick, north Cork, Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny have significant areas entering the scheme. However, Wexford, Wicklow, Kerry and Donegal look to have a net loss in area eligible for ANC.

The new map is based on biophysical criteria determined by the European Commission, replacing the old socio-economic indicators. Of those criteria, the one that had the biggest impact in terms of land classification for Ireland was “soil moisture deficit”.

The tiered structure of payments currently favours offshore islands and mountain grazing areas over severely and less severely handicapped areas. This is not likely to change but will not be decided until after the Department of Agriculture consults with farm organisations.

The Department will write to all farmers affected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the structure of an appeals process is being finalised. It will have an independent chair and a technical input, officials said.