Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
429. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on allowing for the upgrading of existing equipment and add-on facilities in the next TAM's funding scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41480/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe draft Rural Development Programme for the 2014-2020 period was submitted to the EU Commission for approval in July 2014 and includes provision for a suite of on-farm investment schemes.
The following investment areas have been identified as priorities to be targeted in the initial stages:-
(i) dairy equipment,
(ii) low emission spreading equipment,
(iii) animal welfare and farm safety (specifically beef and sheep handling facilities),
(iv) pig and poultry investments in energy, water meters and medicine dispensers,
(v) organic capital investment; and
(vi) a young farmer capital investment scheme.
The investment areas will subsequently be expanded to cover farm nutrient storage and animal housing. While in some cases it will be possible to upgrade or extend certain facilities such as replacement of damaged slats in the safety scheme or the conversion to organic housing under the organic capital investment scheme the emphasis in TAMS 2 will be very much on investing in new facilities. Likewise, grant-aid will only be available for purchase of new equipment, not for upgraded equipment or for the upgrading of existing equipment. This is to ensure that the highest standards are maintained and best value-for-money secured.
The definitive list of investment items eligible for support will be made available when EU Commission approval for the Programme has been received.
