Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
725. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason persons (details supplied) are still waiting on payment for the TAMS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39579/23]
View answerThe persons named submitted applications under Tranche 1 of the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3). This scheme provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. The scheme has proved very popular, with an unprecedented level of applications received under Tranche 1 of TAMS 3 (almost four times the average number received per tranche under TAMS 2).
Applications received across all of the measures in Tranche 1 of TAMS 3 are currently being processed. Once the initial processing is completed all applications will be subject to a ranking and selection process, which is a regulatory requirement for all TAMS 3 applications.
To assist farmers, I decided that farmers who require the construction of slurry and manure storage facilities, or urgent animal welfare related investments required for the winter of 2023/2024, could apply for priority approval up to 15 September 2023. These priority applications will now be assessed with approvals, as appropriate, issuing thereafter.
Approvals will then issue by scheme, starting with the Solar Capital Investment Scheme.
