IFA Urges Minister Coveney to Make Strong Case to Eu on Tams I Extension

IFA Rural Development Chairman, Flor McCarthy has urged the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney to get an extension of the completion date for TAMS I investments, as many farmers are finding it difficult to finish their work by the end of August.

Flor McCarthy said the main element where there is a difficulty is the dairy equipment, sheep fencing and farm safety schemes. In many cases approvals to proceed have only recently been issued and the timescale to finish work is too short.

The IFA Rural Development Chairperson said that Minister Coveney should get many allies at EU level, as there are many other countries finding it equally difficult to complete work under their 2007-2013 RDP programmes.

Flor McCarthy said there is €12.5m available for TAMS I, 85% of which is EU funding. If this money is not spent it will be returned to Brussels. This must be avoided at all costs.

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