Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
619. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if provisions are in place should additional supports be required by farmers in response to any further unprecedented events similar to the damage caused to the agriculture sector by Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13790/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises that the recent storms Darragh and Éowyn have caused significant damage around the country.
My Department works as part of the co-ordinated, whole-of-government response, through the National Emergency Co-ordination Group. A response to any further unprecedented events causing damage will be assessed in this whole-of-government, co-ordinated way.
In relation to damage to forests, the Windblow Taskforce comprises stakeholders who represent forest owners, forestry companies, sawmills, Teagasc, Coillte, Forestry Contractors, and the Irish Road Hauliers. Learnings from this taskforce have potential to provide valuable information for any supports required for future similar events.
In addition, a Working Group comprised of members from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the ESB has recently been established to consider the mitigation of risks to the electricity network arising from similar future events.
The 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.
I recently opened a new, short, TAMS tranche for a three-week period to deal specifically with storm-related damage on farms. This tranche will close this coming Friday, 28 March, and the specific items in respect of which applications are being accepted are (i) backup PTO Generators, (ii) sheep, bovine and equine fencing, (iii) wood/biomass chippers and (iv) mulchers. I would urge farmers to submit applications where appropriate, and I will ensure that they are processed as a priority.
I have also indicated that I intend to introduce grant aid support under TAMS for replacement of roofs. The application process for this specific investment will be available later this year.
