The deadline for the agri-environmental scheme TAMS I is to be extended by two weeks.

The move means that the deadline will go from August 31 to September 14, but it will only apply to work that has already commenced in the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS I).

The TAMS schemes in question includes the Dairy Equipment Scheme, Sheep Handling Scheme and the Farm Safety Scheme.

The TAMS scheme was introduced under the 2007-2013 RDP and the regulations detailed very tight time-limits that are applicable as far as the completion of work by farmers is concerned.

All work must now be completed and a payment claim lodged with the Department by September 14 (instead of August 31) in order to make the deadlines for payment established by regulation.

In July some 800 farmers were still awaiting on approval from the Department to commence work under the scheme.

The Farm Safety Scheme, with a budget of €12.2m, received 6,299 applications.

TAMS II

The TAMS schemes grant aid a wide variety of farm building investments with grant aid of 60% available to eligible young farmers while other farmers can avail of 40% grant aid and was introduced under the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

TAMS II, which was opened by the Minister in July, will be open to farmers to apply to until 2020 and applications will be ranked on a marking system.