Incorrect data will hit grant hopes
He said: “You’d be surprised what some people are prepared to put in their applications. I am not making any allegations, but it does happen that information supplied is not always correct”.
It is understood that Agriculture Department officials are closely examining a number of the applications received, and have requested further information from applicants.
Mr O’Doherty warned farmers to be aware that the scheme is strictly restricted to providing facilities for the existing scale of operation on a farm, and facilities to provide for expansion cannot be grant aided under the current scheme, and should not be included in applications.
He explained, “A farmer cannot get grant aid for developments to increase the scale of the holding”.
He has also warned applicants that while it may be necessary for a farmer to undertake some site clearance before receiving grant approval, the cost of this work cannot be included in the costings.
Pouring concrete before work is approved by the Department will result in loss of entitlement to any payment under the scheme. Grant aid will not be paid for purchase or lease of second-hand equipment.
Where there is direct labour input by the farmer, €13.50 per hour can be claimed, and the use of the farm tractor can also be claimed.
Farmers have until December 31 to apply for grant aid of up to 60% of receipted costs, or the Department costings, whichever is the lower, with up to 70% payable if the applicant is a qualified farmer under 35 years.
