Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
24. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will consider devising a grant scheme to improve farm access roads and internal farm roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51670/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) which is a key element of the current CAP Strategic Plan provides grants to farmers to invest in their farm businesses through building and/or improving a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
I can confirm that TAMS 3 does provide funding for new farm roads under the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS), Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS), Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS), and the Organic Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS).
However as it is a existing legal requirement under the EU Nitrates Directive for farmers to maintain their farm roadways to ensure there is no run off directly to a watercourse, it is not possible to provide funding under TAMS to repair or resurface existing internal farm roads.
I can confirm that to date some 28 applications for new farm roads have been approved under TAMS 3, with 11 applications completed and payment made to farmers, with a total value of over €100,000.
