Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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566. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any assistance will be offered to farmers who had buildings damaged during storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9333/25]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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567. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any assistance will be offered to farmers who had buildings damaged during storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9337/25]

Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Wicklow-Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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589. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has established an emergency hardship fund to aid farmers affected by storm damage, recognising the catastrophic damage is causing a significant financial burden on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9801/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 566, 567 and 589 together.

Storm Éowyn has resulted in significant damage to protected structures in the horticulture sector and to sheds on farms.

Following Storm Éowyn, I announced a targeted re-opening of the 2025 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to deal only with growers proposing investments in response to the damage caused by the Storm.

In re-opening the 2025 Scheme, growers who already had applications submitted by the December deadline can amend their application to re-prioritise investments considering the damage caused by Storm Éowyn. Furthermore, this targeted re-opening responds to the call for assistance to growers impacted by Storm Éowyn who will now be able to apply for grant aid to invest in horticultural buildings and equipment to help their business recover from damage caused by the storm.

The Scheme will provide grant aid at a rate of 40% (50% for young farmers and licensed organic growers) for approved capital investments. To facilitate efficient administration of applications, the closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 7 March 2025.

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 Scheme (TAMS) provides grant aid for investment in new structures rather than any form of repair of existing structures. Where buildings have been significantly damaged it may be more economic to replace the entire structure, rather than attempting to repair the damaged building. In such cases, it is open to farmers to apply for support for the construction of new buildings under TAMS. Tranche 6 of TAMS 3 is currently open and will close for applications on Friday, 7 March. Eligible applications are entitled to the standard 40% grant aid with 60% grant aid for qualifying women farmers, young farmers and organic farmers.