Smith urges farmers to apply for new solar panels grant

Posted on by

Fianna Fail TD for Cavan Monaghan Brendan Smith has urged farmers to apply for a new 60% grant to install solar panels on their farms.  

He said the grant is a great opportunity for farmers in Cavan and Monaghan to invest in their future. 

It is part of the Government’s new €370 million Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3).   

The TAMS 3 scheme, which will run until 2027, provides funding for capital investments on farms. It was launched by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue on Monday.  

There are a range of new improvements to the TAMS scheme including increased grant aid rates, investment ceilings, new investments, and new support categories.  

This includes enhanced grant-rate of 60% compared to a lower rate of 40% in TAMS II in respect of investments under the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment, Organic Capital Investments and Farm Safety Investments. 

Deputy Smith said: “TAMS is a hugely beneficial scheme, which has been significantly expanded this year, so I would encourage all farmers to apply and avail of these very beneficial grants.  

“The latest scheme will continue to support productive farming but it will also be used to align more with climate and sustainability goals through renewable energy, low emission spreading equipment and higher grant rates for organic farmers.  

“The new solar panels and battery storage measures have a separate €90,000 ceiling with a 60% grant. Solar panels can now be placed on farm homes as well as on sheds and buildings, which is a dynamic step forward. There will also be a separate €90,000 ceiling for Low Emission Slurry Spreading equipment.” 

“The scheme will enable every farmer to generate their own power for their dwelling and holding and will help to achieve a more sustainable rural economy, assisting farmers in reducing energy costs on their holdings.”  

TAMS 3 has an investment ceiling of €90,000, and all farmers, even if they have reached their maximum under TAMS 2, will have access to the full €90,000 ceiling under TAMS 3.  

The scheme features almost 100 new investment items compared to its predecessor, including underpasses, farm roadways, supports for the equine sector, cattle fencing, milk recording equipment, PTO generators, and pasture management machinery.  

It aims to increase the number of young farmers and women farmers as well as improve farm safety with higher grant rates for these areas.  

This scheme will be a huge driver of economic activity in rural Ireland and a key component of the new €9.8bn Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). 

Deputy Smith added: “TAMS funding futureproofs farms and farmyards for the next generation. This scheme is clear evidence that the Government is committed to rural Ireland and Irish farm families.” 

TAMS 3 will run for five years and will include 10 schemes; it is will open for receipt of applications on a phased basis by scheme. 

Applications for solar grants are now available.  

ENDS 

Note to editors: 

Under the On-farm Capital Investment Scheme know as TAMS 3 there will be 10 individual schemes.  These are as follows: 

  • Animal Welfare, Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS) at 40% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
  • Tillage Capital Investment Scheme (TCIS) at 40% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
  • Pig and Poultry Capital Investment Scheme (PPIS) at 40% grant rate, with a €500,000 investment ceiling. 
  • Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES) at 40% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
  • Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
  • Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
  • Organic Farming Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
  • Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme (FCIS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling. 
  • Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling that is separate from other schemes. 
  • Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment Scheme (LESS) at 60% grant rate, with a €90,000 investment ceiling that is separate from other schemes. 

The full range of investments and the Reference Cost Documents are also be available here. 

ENDS