Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has called on the Agriculture Minister to intervene to speed up the TAMS application process.  Since the introduction of the scheme last year, more than 5,000 applications have been lodged but none have been fully approved.

Deputy Smith explained, “Almost 450 farmers across Cavan and Monaghan have applied for the various schemes under the TAMS programme but to date not one has received full approval.  This speaks volumes about the Department’s attitude to smaller farmers who are dependent on this funding to upgrade and improve their businesses.

“Many farmers have earmarked projects based on the funding they had applied for.  However, because no applications have been fully approved to date, they have had to put their projects on hold.  This is a massive blow for these farmers and points to serious flaws within the system.

“TAMS is an extremely valuable programme, which provides funding for upgrades to farm buildings and for the purchase of equipment.  However, the delays in approving applications are completely unacceptable.  According to information I received through replies to Parliamentary Questions, more than 5,000 applications have been lodged over the past year and not one has been fully approved.  This is a ridiculous situation.

“Minister Creed needs to look into these delays as a matter of urgency.  Farmers across Cavan and Monaghan are having their plans seriously delayed because of processing issues within the Department.  Without this funding, farmers will be unable to carry out essential upgrades and improvements to their farms, and this could threaten the future of their business”.