Co-op body urges Government to restore full TAMS support for nutrient storage
ICOS said the new legal requirements would result in 21% increases in slurry storage capacity requirements and 43% increased in soiled water storage capacity.
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) ranking and selection risk could slow water quality improvements, the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) warns.
The organisation has written to agriculture minister Martin Heydon, warning him of the issues that may arise if ranking and selection under TAMS is introduced.
Chair of the ICOS dairy committee Eamonn McEnteggart has requested the minister to raise the matter of funding for nutrient storage at the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Water Quality.
“It is extremely regrettable that the introduction of budgetary constraints on nutrient storage funding under TAMS comes at a time when a window of opportunity exists to build on the successful extension of Ireland’s nitrates derogation for a further three years,” Mr McEnteggart said.
He highlighted that due to the stipulations of the 6th Nitrates Action Programme, all dairy farms are required to comply with additional soiled water and nutrient storage capacity requirements by the end of 2028.
Mr McEnteggart said the new legal requirements would result in 21% increases in slurry storage capacity requirements and 43% increased in soiled water storage capacity.
“Previously, such onerous on-farm obligations were Government-supported by designated schemes such as the Farm Waste Management scheme,” he said.
“I firmly believe that investing in nutrient storage should be viewed as an investment in a national asset, supporting the sustainable production of food in Ireland.”
The organisation said if additional funding under TAMS could not be secured to allow the removal of ranking and selection, the department should seek support from the Government “for mobilisation of the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to bolster and supplement TAMS funding for nutrient storage.”
“There is an urgency to securing a positive resolution to this, prior to the 2028 deadline, with Teagasc guiding a minimum 18-month timeframe between pre-construction planning and project completion,” Mr McEnteggart said.
