Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
832. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when Möscha swivel spout, an improved alternative to traditional splash plates as it has lower emissions, will be approved in terms of TAMS grants, as currently, small or medium-sized farmers cannot afford to buy large tankers which necessitate large tractors, which are unsuitable for hilly or wet ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14911/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Moscha system is not an accepted form of Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS). It therefore does not qualify for grant aid under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3).
To date, no data has been made available by the supplier of the equipment that would make it possible to determine how much the system reduces the level of emissions during spreading compared to the traditional splash plate.
The accepted forms of LESS under the Nitrates Regulations are the dribble bar/trailing hose, trailing shoe and injection systems, of which only the trailing shoe and injection systems are eligible for grant aid, at a rate of 60%, under TAMS 3.
As regards hilly ground, I wish to advise that, under SI No. 588 of 2025, on health and safety grounds, an exemption from the requirement to use Low Emission Slurry Spreading equipment has been introduced for the application of cattle slurry to steeply sloping grassland. Under those Regulations, steeply sloping grassland is defined as grassland with an average incline of at least 20%.
