Renewable energy investments available for the first time under Targeted Agricultural Measures Scheme (TAMS)

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D. has confirmed that the latest tranche of the Targeted Agricultural Measures Scheme (TAMS) will open to applications with effect from tomorrow, Saturday 6^th April. This next tranche will be open until early July and will include for the first time supports for on-farm renewable energy measures. The current tranche closes at midnight tonight with high levels level of interest in the scheme continuing and over 2,250 applications already received.

The Minister commented “I am delighted with the continued interest in the suite of seven measures available under the TAMS scheme. There are now over 24,000 applications received under the scheme to date including 2,250 applications to date under Tranche 13. Over €121.7m has been paid out to farmers so far under the Scheme with weekly payments currently averaging over €1.5m.”

The Minister also highlighted recent amendments to the scheme including:

• The announcement of the extension of meal bins as an eligible investment for all sectors in the list of items available under TAMS II.
• The inclusion of Solar PV Installation on farms – that is to extend current availability under the scheme to all sectors. Grant aid in the pilot phase will be available for 40% or of up to 60% in the case of qualified young farmers to fund the cost of a solar system of 6kWp.
• That all lighting funded under the scheme will now be required to be LED lighting. LED Lighting uses a fraction of the electricity consumed by conventional lighting and only LED lighting will now be grant aided.
• The amendment of the TAMS II system of penalties for late submission of payment claims has also been revised with increased flexibility and graduated penalties introduced for late submission.

The Minister concluded “The enthusiasm of Irish farmers to invest in on-farm renewable technologies is most welcome. I have listened to their views and am now making some new renewable and energy efficient investments available for the first time. These complement the existing technologies funded under the scheme. I would encourage all farmers to avail of the grants available to help ensure that the agriculture sector plays its part in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy and society.”

Notes for Editors:

TAMS II already provides grant aid for a number of investments specifically aimed at improving energy efficiency in the farming sector. Examples of these include Plate coolers, Heat Transfer Units and Internal Ice Builders for the Dairy Sector. The Pigs and Poultry Scheme and the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme provides grant aid for biomass boilers, electrical heat pads, energy efficient LED lighting, indirect heating systems, solar panels for water heating and electricity production, ventilation fans and control systems, insulation for doors, roofs and walls, air source heat pumps and heat recovery units

Solar panels which generate DC electricity when exposed to light are known as ‘solar photovoltaic (PV) modules’. All of the electricity generated must be used for agricultural purposes on the farm.

The allocated budget for TAMS II over the full course of the RDP is €395m. The budget for 2019 is €70m.

There are a suite of seven measures for on-farm investments available under the TAMS scheme which has been opened for applications in rolling three month tranches. Farmers are reminded that if they have an existing approval under TAMS to check the relevant dates on their approval letters and to ensure that payment claims are submitted within the relevant deadline. Claims can be submitted to the online system as soon as the approved work is completed to allow for the prompt payment of claims.

Full details of the TAMS II measures are available on the Departments website at : https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/tams/

TAMS Division can be contacted by phone on 0761 064452

ENDS

Press and Information Office

An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An Teach Talmhaíochta, Sráid Chill Dara, Baile Átha Cliath 2, D02 WK12

Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 WK12

T +353 (0)1 607 2802

www.agriculture.gov.ie

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Date Released: 05 April 2019