JOHN Fitzgerald, Bank of Ireland's Agricultural Development Manager based in Munster, explains how an Enviroflex loan can help farmers with cashflow concerns in 2026.

Acknowledging the significant reduction in milk prices over the past number of months, Bank of Ireland remains supportive of farmers who may currently be experiencing cashflow concerns. Enviroflex sustainability-linked loans are a key part of Bank of Ireland's range of Agri supports, and are available to all dairy farmers who are part of a co-op sustainability scheme.

Enviroflex loans reward farmers who implement sustainable actions on their farms through discounted interest rates. When farmers adopt measures on their farms that reduce their environmental footprint (i.e. reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving biodiversity, water quality and animal welfare), they can avail of the lower rate loan.

Recognising financial sustainability, a key feature of Enviroflex is that it can be used to provide cashflow support during periods of low milk prices. Bank of Ireland has witnessed ever-increasing interest in Enviroflex since it first launched, with over €80m in loan applications received to date. The average loan size is €55,000, with the loans ranging in size from €10,000 to €500,000.

Farmers are using the loans for a range of purposes from installing solar panels to adding additional slurry storage, with many taking advantage of the current TAMS (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme) supports.

How Enviroflex supports farm cashflow

Over the past couple of years, thanks to solid profitability and strong cashflows, many dairy farmers have been investing on their farms using their own funds to purchase machinery, build sheds, add additional slurry storage or new silage pits. Bank of Ireland recognises that the lifespan of these investments can range over a year in length, and are often suited to financing over longer terms.

Where farmers are experiencing, or are expecting cashflow tightness during 2026 as a result of investing their own funds on the farm over the past 3 years (since January 2023), they can apply to Bank of Ireland for an Enviroflex loan. Once part of a co-op sustainability scheme and repayment capacity is evident, Bank of Ireland will examine suitability to "retro finance" these investments already in place.

On-farm examples:

Patrick invested €80,000 of his own funds to extend a calf shed in 2021. He can now apply for an €80,000 Enviroflex loan to retrospectively fund the calf shed over a 4 year period.

Mary invested €50,000 of her own funds to build additional slurry storage. She can now apply for a €50,000 Enviroflex loan to retrospectively fund the slurry storage over a 5 year period.

John invested €30,000 of his own funds upgrading water/roadways. He can now apply for a €30,000 Enviroflex loan to retrospectively fund this work over a 2-3 year period.

The current* Enviroflex rate is 4.49% (variable), with a minimum loan amount of €10,000. The loan term is up to 7 years if the loan is unsecured. Bank of Ireland also offers unsecured loans up to €120,000. For loans over €120,000 or where security is required, a term of up to 15 years is available. Standard Bank of Ireland lending terms and conditions apply.

For further information contact your Co-op Representative or your dedicated Bank of Ireland adviser via the details in the footer.

Apply online at: Enviroflex - Bank of Ireland Business Banking or enquire at your local Bank of Ireland branch.

*= Rate correct as of 05/02/2026

Local Experts Contact Details

John Fitzgerald Agri. Development Manager P: (087) 7696510 E: [email protected]

Maire McCarthy Manager Clonakilty Skibbereen and Bandon P: 087 2354353 E: [email protected]

Michael Deasy Business Adviser Clonakilty Skibbereen P: 087 0957581 E: [email protected]

Niall Connor Manager - Bank of Ireland Business Banking, Cork County South Main St., Bandon, Co. Cork P: 086 1709048 E: [email protected]

Mark Knowles Business Adviser Bandon and Clonakilty P: 087 6410292 E: [email protected]