Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
895. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has engaged with the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment in respect of unmet demand to roll out solar technologies that are not being met by funding restrictions to the TAMs scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30370/26]
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 Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) is one of eleven schemes within TAMS 3.
The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) is a demand-led scheme with a defined budgetary allocation. Due to the unprecedented success of each of the individual schemes within TAMS 3 and in order to manage the defined budget, it was necessary to apply Ranking and Selection (RASS) to tranches nine and ten to ensure adequate funding for the remainder of the CAP Strategic Plan.
The number of applications and the level of funding provided to date under certain schemes, such as the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) have exceeded expectations, to the extent that more than 20% of the TAMS budget is being spent on SCIS. 3,390 approvals have issued to farmers under SCIS allowing them to proceed with their investments with payments in excess of €30m to date. My Department is focused on maximising the number of applications that may be approved under this scheme while maintaining support for other areas that need investment.
Overall national energy policy is developed by the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment. My Department will continue to work closely with that Department to ensure that our agricultural sector continues increasing the sector’s capacity for producing indigenous energy on farms, diversifying income streams and in contributing to meeting Ireland’s national climate and energy targets.
The Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment announced that the Domestic Solar PV Grant Scheme will remain at the 2025 level of €1,800. This scheme has been available to individuals since its launch in 2022. The scheme includes a 0% VAT rate for the supply and installation of solar panels on domestic premises.
