TAMS: 'More disappointed farmers because more have applied' - Heydon
"There are more disappointed farmers" when it comes to the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) "because more have applied," Minister Heydon has acknowledged.
According to the minister there has been "a massive increase in the number of farmers applying across all elements of TAMS 3 compared with TAMS 2".
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine also told the Seanad this week that "TAMS continues to be a hugely successful scheme" and demand for the scheme had led to the introduction of a ranking and selection for tranche 9 and tranche 10.
In particular he said in relation to TAMS 3, applications had been received "at three times the average number received per tranche compared with TAMS 2".
According to Minister Heydon, a total of 63,754 applications have been received across the first 11 tranches of TAMS.
This has resulted, according to the minister, in payments totaling almost €156 million, which have been issued to over 17,000 participants - these payments have issued at a rate of approximately €2 million per week.
"Supports this year will amount to some €90 million, with a similar allocation for next year.
"We are continuing to provide support to farmers to upgrade and invest in their holdings.
"Obviously, we are seeing a significant increase in the number of applications. That is why there is a need to manage that budget out until the end of 2027," Minister Heydon added.
TAMS
During a Seanad debate yesterday, Senator Mike Kennelly highlighted to the minister that farmers had contacted him with "serious concerns about how the current tranches are operating".
The senator said that these concerns included the number of TAMS-supported solar PV applications that are being approved.
"Farmers are asking the minister to consider reinstating TAMS solar without rank and selection, particularly at a time of high energy insecurity.
"Solar PV can reduce reliance on fuel and heating oil, strengthen rural gird resilience and allow families and farms to generate clean energy," Senator Kennelly added.
But Minister Heydon said that the supports available under TAMS for the installation of solar panels "are in keeping with the commitment to assist farmers to address climate and sustainability targets".
"To date, over 3,400 farmers have received approval to proceed with works, while 1,629 farmers have installed panels and received grant aid for their completed investment," he added.
