The person named submitted an application for grant aid under the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS) - which is a measure under TAMS 3 - on 12th April 2023, as part of the tranche which closed for applications on 30th June 2023.
This application underwent an initial administrative check following the closure of the tranche and completed the regulatory ranking and selection process on 3rd January 2024.
A further detailed technical check must be completed on all files before written approval can be issued. During this technical check issues arose relating to documentation submitted.
My Department was in contact with the applicant regarding these issues, and it was discovered that the investments had been completed prior to approval being issued.
The application was then rejected as commencement of work on fixed investments prior to the issue of an approval to carry out such work invalidates the application, as per the terms and conditions of the scheme.
The person named was informed of this decision by letter dated 25th June 2024. They requested a review of the decision, and were informed that the review upheld the original decision in a letter dated 10th July 2024. This letter outlined their right of appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office (AAO) within three months of the date of that letter. At this time, an appeal has not yet been received by the AAO.