1,250 farmers get modernisation grants
Closing dates were in 2010 and 2011.
The number of approvals issued were 635 for dairy equipment (364 have been paid); 611 for sheep fencing/handling (151 paid); nine for sow welfare (three paid); three for poultry welfare (three paid); two for rain- water harvesting (one paid).
According to Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, the two rainwater harvesting approvals were in Co Cork (where a payment of €8,000 has been made) and Co Waterford.
Due to the low uptake by farmers of grants under this scheme, he has transferred €4m of the available funding to the TAMS Dairy Equipment Scheme.
There is a two-year time-limit for completion of works.
Applicants who have not completed the works may apply to the department for an extension of the time-limit.
“In the case of the TAMS Poultry Welfare and Sow Welfare Schemes, the deadlines for completion of work are linked to the dates of entry into force of the new EU animal welfare rules for those sectors.
“I do not therefore propose to alter the present arrangements in relation to those schemes,” said the Mr, in the Dáil.
