Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.

The Solar Capital Investment scheme is one of these measures which provides support to farmers wishing to invest in renewable energy. To encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, grant aid is provided to assist farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology together with battery storage on Irish farms.

There is an overall indicative budget of €370m for the TAMS 3 schemes up to the end of 2027. The solar scheme is ring fenced with its own investment ceiling of €90,000, with grant aid at the enhanced rate of 60%. This scheme launched on 22nd February 2023 and is proving to be a hugely successful scheme with 753 applications received in Tranche 1. These applications are currently being assessed and it is expected that approvals will issue shortly. To further facilitate investment in renewable energy and indeed other on farm investments, I announced in September that all eligible applications under Tranche 1 would be approved for payment.

Applicants under the Solar Capital Investment Scheme can also receive the Clean Export Guarantee payment for any electricity spill-over that may occur on a given day as this is funded directly by the electricity companies. However, they are not eligible for any other payment, such as the Clean Export Premium, as it would be double funding of the investment.

The new TAMS is closely aligned to our climate and sustainability needs through continued and enhanced support for renewable energy. Adoption of sustainable energy practices at farm level, including energy efficiency, deployment of renewables at farm level and the provision of agriculture feed stocks for renewable energy generation is a key climate pillar for the agriculture sector.