The latest tranche of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) will open to applications with effect from tomorrow, Saturday, April 6, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed has confirmed.

This next tranche will be open until early July and will include for the first time supports for on-farm renewable energy measures.

The current tranche closes at midnight tonight with high levels of interest in the scheme continuing, according to the Department of Agriculture, and over 2,250 applications already received.

Commenting, Minister Creed said: “I am delighted with the continued interest in the suite of seven measures available under the TAMS scheme.

“There are now over 24,000 applications received under the scheme to date including 2,250 applications to date under Tranche 13.

“Over €121.7 million has been paid out to farmers so far under the scheme with weekly payments currently averaging over €1.5 million.”

Continuing, the minister said: “The enthusiasm of Irish farmers to invest in on-farm renewable technologies is most welcome.

“I have listened to their views and am now making some new renewable and energy efficient investments available for the first time.

“I would encourage all farmers to avail of the grants available to help ensure that the agriculture sector plays its part in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy and society,” the minister concluded.

TAMS

The allocated budget for TAMS II over the full course of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) is €395 million, while the budget for 2019 is €70 million.

There are a suite of seven measures for on-farm investments available under the TAMS scheme which has been opened for applications in rolling three month tranches.

Claims can be submitted to the online system as soon as the approved work is completed to allow for the prompt payment of claims.