Tams Approvals Must Be Made Quickly to Allow On-farm Investment to Commence

With approvals for the Sheep Handling + Fencing Scheme already started and the Dairy Equipment Scheme due to commence, IFA Rural Development Chairman Tom Turley has called for all 20% pre-approval inspections to be immediately carried out and all letters of approval to be issued without delay.

Mr. Turley said, “Around 1,750 farmers applied for both schemes from late 2010 prior to its closure last June by the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney. Many of the applicants urgently need to proceed with work. An early approval is now vital as such investment helps productivity and efficiency on farms.”

Tom Turley said with around €19m allocated to the TAMS in this year’s Book of Estimates, it was vital that this funding is fully spent as otherwise it will carry forward to 2012.

“The TAMS measures are also 50% EU funded under the CAP Rural Development Plan 2007– 2013 and the full EU and national allocation of €90m over the period must be utilised. Re-opening of the scheme must be an immediate priority for Minister Coveney for 2012,” Mr. Turley concluded.