An Irish MEP has urged the government to include virtual fencing technology for support under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3).

Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher said the inclusion of virtual fencing technology as an eligible technology could be a "game changer" for farming, particularly for upland sheep and goat farming in Ireland.

Kelleher said several sheep farmers in upland areas have contacted him, who are keen to invest in virtual fencing technology but cannot receive support under TAMS.

“Put simply, virtual fencing means the maintenance of animals within or outside of specified areas, using GPS locational devices (e.g. collars), as opposed to using physical fencing," the Fianna Fáil MEP said.

Kelleher said in 2022, the National Parks and Wildlife Service published its 'Pioneering Precision Livestock Management (Virtual Fencing) in Ireland' report which investigated the impact of virtual fencing both in terms of animal welfare and husbandry but also on its impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity.

“For me, I see great benefits in terms of targeted grazing by sheep in our upland hills and mountains," the MEP continued.

"To ensure that the animal is on the right area at the right time of the year to allow, for example, the reintroduction of plant and tree species."

'Cost-prohibitive'

Kelleher said he has written to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, asking him to investigate the inclusion of virtual fencing technology in TAMS.

"While farmers can, at present, use this technology, it would be highly cost-prohibitive without funding support from the state," Kelleher said.

“There would, of course, be obligations such as undergoing approved training in how to use this technology safely and appropriately.

"However, I think the benefits vastly outweigh the additional responsibilities."