Inclusion of dribble bars in TAMS list being considered
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said that there is an analysis taking place on the emission factor of the dribble bar compared with the trailing shoe. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
The inclusion of dribble bars on the list of TAMS 3 investment items is being considered, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has confirmed.
TAMS provides grants to farmers to build or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
There is an indicative budget of €370m available for the period 2022 to 2027, whereby all investments are linked to climate, environment, or animal welfare.
There are in excess of 430 items on the investment list already.
Mr McConalogue said there is an analysis taking place on the emission factor of the dribble bar compared with the trailing shoe.
"I am awaiting the outcome of this analysis before making a decision on the inclusion of the dribble bar in TAMS 3," he said.
"Investment items and ceilings for grant aid are under constant review, and additional investment items may be included for consideration when evaluating further updates to the TAMS 3 investment lists.
"I will be considering it and I have not ruled it out. However, in making state investments and in providing the very significant support that is available, we want to make sure it supports farmers and that it is an effective long-term investment."
The grant aid for the trailing shoe was increased to 60% in TAMS 3 compared with 40% previously, "so that the cost to the farmer will be similar to what the dribble bar would have been", Mr McConalogue said.
"Certainly, some of the early advice indicates the trailing shoe is a lot more effective than the dribble bar from an emissions and nutrient point of view, but I am getting that reviewed," he continued.
"I have had many farmers approach me on the issue. In some parts of the country, farmers feel the dribble bar is more navigable. My mind is open on this.
"I am waiting for the advice so that I can consider whether to include it in the next tranche."
Mr McConalogue said that the analysis will be concluded in time for the next opening.
The first TAMS 3 tranche opened for applications in February this year.
At the time, Irish Farmers' Association rural development chairman Michael Biggins said "one of the glaring omissions" from TAMS 3 was the removal of dribble bars from the list.
"They were hugely popular in TAMS 2 and with a clear need to meet our emissions ceiling, the move to exclude them doesn’t make sense," Mr Biggins said.
"It beggars belief that Government grant-aided dribble bars for farmers in derogation to meet their mandatory obligations using low emissions slurry spreading [LESS], yet now as thresholds for using LESS lower, they decide to exclude dribble bars and force those farming at much lower intensity levels towards more expensive LESS options."
Under TAMS 3, there are 10 individual schemes. Alongside the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment Scheme, others include: the Animal Welfare, Nutrient Storage Scheme; Tillage Capital Investment Scheme; Pig and Poultry Capital Investment Scheme; and Dairy Equipment Scheme.
