Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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238. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an emergency fund for agricultural buildings damaged during the recent storm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5051/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department is working as part of the co-ordinated Government response through the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, convened by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the lead Government Department on severe weather Incidents.

Unprecedented damage has been done by Storm Éowyn. I am aware of significant damage to sheds and livestock housing. My Department is engaging with Teagasc and other stakeholders to assess the extent and significance of the damage caused. This work is ongoing, as some farmers are still assessing the situation.

The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) currently provides grant aid for investment in new structures rather than repair of existing structures. The main reason for this approach is that the state of the structure is unknown, which may lead to further issues associated with grant aiding repair work on existing farm sheds.

It is open to farmers to apply for support for the construction of new buildings under TAMS.