Applications for National Farm Safety Measure open for 2026

The 2026 Farm Safety Measure which covers 60% of the eligible coats of a maximum of four PTO shaft covers are now open for applications.

Minister for agriculture, Martin Heydon, announcing the reopening of the National Farm Safety Measure for 2026.

The National Farm Safety Measure for 2026 has opened for applications.

The measure will provide farmers with up to 60% of the cost of up to four Power Take Off (PTO) shaft covers. The closing date for the submission of applications is November 6, 2026, via the AgFood website.

Minister for agriculture, Martin Heydon, announced the opening of the measures, which coincides with Tractor Safety Week, saying: "I am reopening the National Farm Safety Measure to incentivise farmers to check the protective guards on PTO-powered machinery and replace defective or missing PTO-shaft covers.

"Too many farmers are operating PTO-powered equipment with PTO shafts which are not adequately protected, placing themselves and others at risk of serious or fatal injuries. 

"To be effective in protecting the operator, the PTO shaft must be completely enclosed by the protective covers. This also includes the U-guard at the tractor end and the O-guard on the machine.” 

The maximum amount of aid under the measure is for four PTO shaft covers. The 60% rate of grant aid will be subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover. Farmers who applied for grant aid under the National Farm Safety Measure in previous years are also eligible to apply again this year.

Over the past decade, farm vehicles and machinery accounted for almost half of all fatalities on farms. In the last two years, entanglement in PTO shafts has resulted in two fatalities on Irish farms.

Revolving at 540 or 1,000 revolutions per minute, it takes less than one second to become entangled in a PTO shaft. If caught in a revolving PTO shaft, a person has almost no chance of avoiding serious or fatal injuries. Even a new PTO shaft cover, if not properly fitted, will not provide protection.

Minister Heydon reminded farmers of the importance of prioritising safety no matter how heavy the workload: “The key steps to preventing incidents involving farm vehicles and machinery are training, proper maintenance and safe work practices. These key steps take time, but the rewards, though often unseen, are immeasurable.

"If overlooked, however, the consequences can be tragic. As we enter the busy summer period, I’m urging farmers to check out the tractor and machinery now to ensure that all necessary maintenance and repairs are carried out, including the replacement of damaged or missing PTO shaft covers.” 

For more information on the measure, visit the department's website.