Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 December 2012
259. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the details of the new water harvesting scheme including the level of grant and eligibility criteria; when the scheme will open up; the period of the funding programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57577/12]
View answerThe Rainwater Harvesting Scheme which is one of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) operated by my Department reopened for applications on 20 December 2011. It is intended that the scheme will remain open for applications until end 2013, which is the final date for the receipt of applications under the TAMS under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. The grant-rate is 40% up to a maximum eligible investment ceiling of €25,000 per holding, i.e. a maximum grant of €10,000.
Copies of the terms and conditions of the Scheme, together with the accompanying application form, are available on my Department’s website and these set out the eligibility conditions applicable to farmers who wish to apply for grant-aid under the Scheme. As the funding for the Scheme is limited, a series of tranches is in place in order to ensure that the financial allocation for the Scheme is not exceeded. The current tranche closes on 31 December 2012.
