Extend farm safety grant deadline, says ICMSA
He said the August 31 deadline was too tight and many farmers were under pressure to get work completed.
“The deadline was always going to be a problem as many farmers only got the go-head from the department in the late spring and early summer,” said Mr Gray.
“The problem is more pronounced due to the fact that many builders and suppliers and their staff traditionally take holidays in the first few weeks in August.
"Consequently, it is proving hard to co-ordinate getting work done and paperwork in by the end the month,” he said.
The €12.2m scheme has attracted over 6,000 applications.
The current deadline could exclude many of these applicants.
“While we appreciate the department is under a tight deadline to get all applications processed and monies paid, account should be taken that some applicants have decided not to go ahead with the investment.
“Many applicants have very straightforward investments which require limited paperwork.
“As the inspection rate is 5%, the department should be able to accommodate an extension” said Mr Gray.
