Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
87. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will consider a scheme to support more wind powered microgeneration on farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10857/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. All investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
There are currently no plans to include grant aid for wind powered microgeneration on farms in TAMS 3.
My Department examined the possibility of including farm-based wind turbines (to meet farmyard electricity demand) when designing TAMS 3. However, following lengthy research, and taking into account also the fact that turbines require regular maintenance due to their moving parts, it was decided not to grant-aid this type of investment. Instead, my Department has decided to focus on supporting farmers in the installation of solar PV technology to address the provision of farmyard electricity, through the Solar Capital Investment Scheme.
I will ensure that the list of investment items in TAMS 3, including microgeneration, will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis. The inclusion of further investment categories will, of course, be dependent on the availability of the required funding.
