Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the targeted agriculture modernisation scheme, TAMS, 3 provides grants to farmers to build or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. There is an indicative budget of €370 million available for the period 2022 to 2027, whereby all investments are linked to climate, environment or animal welfare. Following the success of TAMS 2, I have increased significantly the number of investments available to in excess of 430 items. There is analysis taking place on the emission factor of the dribble bar compared with the trailing shoe. I am awaiting the outcome of this analysis before making a decision on the inclusion of the dribble bar in TAMS 3. Investment items and ceilings for grant aid are under constant review, and additional investment items may be included for consideration when evaluating further updates to the TAMS 3 investment lists.

I will be considering it and I have not ruled it out. However, in making State investments and in providing the very significant support that is available, we want to make sure it supports farmers and that it is an effective long-term investment. I increased the grant aid available for the trailing shoe to 60% in TAMS 3 compared with 40% last time around, so that the cost to the farmer will be similar to what the dribble bar would have been. Certainly, some of the early advice indicates the trailing shoe is a lot more effective than the dribble bar from an emissions and nutrient point of view, but I am getting that reviewed. I have had many farmers approach me on the issue. In some parts of the country, farmers feel the dribble bar is more navigable. My mind is open on this. I am waiting for the advice so that I can consider whether to include it in the next tranche.

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