Waterford Fine Gael TD John Cummins has welcomed yesterday’s announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Food,Fisheries and the Marine Martin Heydon, that the latest tranche of the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) is now open for applications and includes a new 60% grant aid measure for Nutrient Storage investments.
Speaking to the announcement Waterford TD John Cummins said: “I really welcome today’s announcement by my Fine Gael colleague Minister Heydon. I particularly welcome the news that there will now be a 60% grant with a €90,000 investment ceiling for slurry storage available under TAMS 3. This is something I have been working on with Minister Heydon since I met IFA representatives last year. I believe this is a really positive step and displays this Government’s commitment to working with farmers to improve our water quality.”
Deputy Cummins continued: “The announcement will encourage farmers to invest in nutrient storage and I’m happy to see that Minister Heydon has set out the tranche closing dates for this year, which is critical in helping farmers plan by giving them a clear timeframe for proposed investments.”
Tranche 6 of TAMS 3 will close for applications on 7 March 2025, with upcoming 2025 tranches closing on 6 June 2025, 5 September 2025 and 5 December 2025.
Speaking on the announcement Minister Martin Heydon said: "I am delighted to announce that the latest tranche of TAMS 3 is now open for applications, including applications in respect of nutrient storage investments, which will attract a higher grant rate of 60%. I believe this enhanced grant rate will encourage farmers to invest in nutrient storage on their holdings to create additional storage capacity, especially in a time of uncertain weather patterns."
Minister Heydon continued: "TAMS has been, and continues to be, a hugely successful and beneficial scheme to the farming community and the wider rural economy. It has delivered key modernisation, environmental and safety improvements on thousands of farms across the country. I believe these additional enhancements will attract further interest in the scheme and deliver additional benefits, especially in terms of overall water quality."
Deputy Cummins concluded: “I echo Minister Heydon’s remarks, TAMS has been a very significant help to farmers in making their farms and practices safer and more efficient.This Government is committed to working with farmers and is willing to work through problems as they arise and provide solutions, I think today’s announcement from the Minister evidently displays this commitment.”