Where money is going in government grants

A once-off opportunity for farmers to upgrade safety arrangements, with a grant of 40% of investments up to €20,000, was introduced in the Budget.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said he was particularly anxious to acknowledge the very high level of risk on farms. Subject to EU approval, this €12 million Farm Safety Scheme will shortly be open for applications.

Mr Coveney said he has given particular priority to the beef sector by increasing funding for the new Beef Data and Genomics Scheme from €23m in 2014 to €52m, including €100 per head for the first 10 animals in a herd.

The €150m in 2015 for agri-environment schemes provides for the opening of the GLAS (Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme) to 30,000 entrants. In 2016, funding up to €250m will be needed for 50,000 farmers in GLAS.

The minister has allocated at least €68m, up €14m, because of a significant shortfall in horse and greyhound sector funding in recent years.

As part of a 10-year sport horse development plan, €600,000 is provided for Horse Sport Ireland.

The sheep sector gets €19m, including €15m of sheep grassland payments incorporated into single payment entitlements in 2015.

Having met representatives of the traveller community, Mr Coveney has allocated an extra €1m for urban horse shelters, and to encourage young people in horse care and welfare. €1m has also gone to a Rural Innovation and Development Fund.