Farmers are being urge to apply for the grant measure for power-take-off (PTO) shaft covers, which is currently open for applications.

The National Farm Safety Measure 2026 provides 60% aid on the cost of up to four PTO shaft covers, subject to a maximum cost of €100 per shaft cover.

Minister of State for farm safety Niall Collins has encouraged farmers to apply for the scheme, highlighting the importance of protective guards when operating machinery.

"Over the last two years, entanglement in PTOs has resulted in two fatal incidents on Irish farms and has also resulted in life-changing injuries," Minister Collins said.

"PTO shaft covers are relatively inexpensive, but they are critical in helping to prevent serious incidents when working with tractors and machinery," he added.

"The aim of this measure is to incentivise farmers to check their farm machinery and where necessary, invest in PTO shaft covers," the minister said.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine stressed that, because of its speed, a person will not have time to react if they, or their clothing, come into contact with a revolving PTO shaft.

The department also warned that broken or poorly fitting PTO shaft covers are as dangerous as an unguarded PTO shaft and can give a false sense of protection.

Minister Collins called on farmers to "act now" to prevent the risk of an incident involving PTO-powered equipment.

"I am urging farmers to check their PTO-powered farm machinery and to avail of this measure to replace any defective or missing PTO shaft covers," he said.

"I would also urge advisors to engage with their farmer clients on farm safety and encourage them to avail of this measure," the minister added.

The closing date for submitting expressions of interest and payment claims under the measure is November 6.

To apply for the measure, an expression of interest must be submitted before a participant buys the PTO shaft covers. Claims for payment must be submitted through the MyAgFood portal.