Thousands of farmers 'awaiting an update' on TAMS applications
TAMS provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holding. Picture: Andy Gibson.
The priority approval mechanism for Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) applications is now open for tranche two.
This tranche closed for applications on January 19.
TAMS provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holding.
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said: "Last year, I ensured that priority approvals were issued for farmers that needed to commence works urgently. This facility is in place again for all farmers and their advisors.
"I would therefore urge those who submitted a TAMS 3 application under tranche two, and who have an urgent requirement to commence works, to contact my department. If this applies to you, you should contact your local Department of Agriculture office.
"Your application will then be assessed to determine whether there is an urgent need to issue approval, and it will be prioritised accordingly."
Tranche three of the scheme is now open for applications until April 12.
"The popularity of this scheme is evident, with a total of 9,110 applications submitted during tranche two. I confirmed late last year that all eligible applications will be approved for tranche two," Mr McConalogue said.
"‘TAMS has been a hugely successful and beneficial scheme since its inception. It has delivered key modernisation, environmental and safety improvements on thousands of farms across the country, while also supporting local economies in the construction phase of developments."
While the scheme continues to open to new applicants, Sinn Féin spokesperson for agriculture Claire Kerrane has called on the Department of Agriculture to "pick up the pace" on issuing approvals to applicants under tranche one of TAMS 3.
Data from the department has confirmed that half of the 8,203 applications made under tranche one of TAMS 3 have been approved.
Approximately 3,500 applications are currently in progress.
"While approvals for schemes under tranche 1 of TAMS 3 are ongoing and that is welcome, there are still thousands of farmers awaiting an update on their applications," Ms Kerrane said.
"I realise there is a significant amount of work in this for the department, but farmers do need to know if they have been approved for relevant schemes under tranche one."
Some schemes have "significant numbers" outstanding, such as the Animal Welfare Nutrient Storage Scheme. Of the 2,494 applications submitted for this, 1,466 are still in progress.
"There are also delays to approvals for those schemes which are aimed at supporting groups into farming. These supports are important for encouraging women farmers and young farmers," Ms Kerrane continued.
"The department now needs to pick up the pace on processing applications to these important schemes under TAMS and to issue outstanding approvals as soon as possible."
