Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join the Deputy in extending sympathy to the Coleman family. I also extend heartfelt sympathies to all of the community in Galway who have suffered significant losses.

I am mindful of the impact of Storm Éowyn and the impact it had on agricultural buildings, as the Deputy outlined. In many instances, buildings have been completely flattened. In that space, the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS, grant is available to allow farmers to construct new buildings. I am looking for some flexibility to be introduced in the scheme to see if there is a possibility to include sheds that had roofs blown off but where the general structure still remains. In general, TAMS grants are for new buildings and not for adapting buildings. However, I am looking to see if we can get some flexibility in that space. I am also seeking flexibility in the context of the planning requirements such that in circumstances where, for example, a shed has been completely levelled, planning permission will not be needed for a like-for-like replacement.

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