Independent TD secures commitments on installation aid
Tipperary North Independent TD Michael Lowry made the announcement after a meeting with Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith.
Mr Lowry also confirmed that eligible young farmers who are under the age of 35 and who continue their training will not be excluded from the scheme when it reopens.
In a statement, Mr Lowry said he made strong arguments to the minister regarding the importance of the scheme for young farmers attempting to set up their holdings.
“I was delighted to get these important commitments from the minister,” he said.
Mr Lowry said the installation aid scheme is vital for farm restructuring, the establishment of young farmers and encouraging the transfer of land to young farmers.
He said the scheme is one of few ways in which the Government can encourage new blood.
“We all recognise that cuts in Government expenditure are required... but the cut to installation aid as announced in the budget adversely affected young farmers who were attempting to establish themselves on the land.
“I am pleased that the minister has recognised these concerns and has issued commitments to me in respect of the arguments that I have put forward to him,” he said.
Macra na Feirme president Catherine Buckley welcomed Mr Lowry’s announcement that the department will accommodate farmers under the scheme who had applications progressed, but not lodged prior to the suspension date.
However, she was disappointed no progress was made on applications that were substantially progressed under the early retirement scheme prior to its suspension.
IFA rural development committee chairman Tom Turley reiterated his call that the Government must reverse the budget decision to suspend the early retirement and installation aid schemes.
