Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
263. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the ranking and selection threshold for the animal welfare and nutrient storage scheme to ensure that 100% of eligible applications can access funding under TAMS 3, tranche 10; the additional funding that would be required to achieve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27747/26]
View answerThe Targeted Agricultural 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 operates in tranches, and more than 63,000 applications have been received across the first eleven tranches of TAMS 3. This is approximately three times the average number of applications received over the same period under TAMS 2.
Ranking and Selection is the process whereby the overall cost of applications received in a particular tranche is assessed taking into account the available budget. The ranking and selection criteria are predetermined for each of the eleven schemes and published on my Department's website. They include the age of the applicant, the size of the holding, land in areas of natural constraints (ANCs) and the level of nitrates produced on the holding.
It is a regulatory requirement that Ranking and Selection must take place on all eligible applications.
It was necessary to limit the number of approved applications in recent tranches due to the unprecedented success of the individual schemes within TAMS 3, and the need to continue to work within overall budgetary constraints.
I am satisfied that the current scoring system is the best mechanism for ensuring that funding is targeted at the most appropriate enterprises. I will also ensure that the system continues to be reviewed taking into consideration the available budget and number of applications received in each tranche period.
