Prompt action on TAMS is needed - IFA

THE IFA's national rural development chair, Mayo's Michael Biggins, has called on Minister Charlie McConalogue and the Department of Agriculture to end the silence and clarify where farmers stand with TAMS applications.

Speaking after a meeting of the Rural Development Plan Monitoring Committee, where it was confirmed less than 200 of total Tranche 1 applications had been approved to date, Mr. Biggins said: “There are thousands of farmers around the country who have made applications for TAMS last spring that have no idea where they stand. It’s madness, and creating huge frustration, particularly among farmers tight on animal housing or slurry storage. TAMS has been a non-event in 2023.

“How can the minister stand over a situation where farmers are unable to draw down funding this year for necessary on-farm investment. Something needs to change, and change quick.

"We need solutions not explanations or excuses.”

He continued: “It’s one of the most heated topics of discussion at our IFA branch meetings in recent weeks, and we are getting calls regularly from frustrated farmers wanting to know when approvals will be issued so they can push on with planned works.

“The department need to clarify the situation, provide clear timelines on when approvals for Tranche 1 will be fully issued, and allocate whatever resources are necessary to quickly resolve the issue, particularly where there is potential animal welfare or health and safety issues.

“It’s not good enough. We need clarity and a resolution.”