The Farm Safety Scheme was opened for applications on 22 October 2014 and will remain open until 9 January 2015. To date, more than 1,245 applications have been received and work is under way to process the applications.

All applicants will receive an acknowledgement letter confirming receipt of application within 10 days. Funding for the scheme will be split evenly between the two tranches and any funding not used in the first tranche will be transferred to the second tranche.

All work must be completed and a payment claim lodged with the Department by 31 August 2015. Application forms and full details for the scheme are available on the Department website along with the scheme’s terms and conditions. These clearly outline what is required of applicants.

Advice for completing the form

Please read the explanatory notes prior to completing the application form. Complete ALL sections of the form. Ensure information is accurate (particularly PPS, herd number and date of birth).

Ensure quantity referred to matches application form (eg linear metre, square metre etc). This will ensure your application is dealt with in a timely fashion. Incomplete application forms can delay the process.

Applicants are reminded to wait for approval before starting work or engaging in contracts. Please note there is a minimum investment requirement of €2,000 per application.

The attached table outlines the relevant specification for each eligible item, the safety benefit and the risks involved. Copies of all of the specifications and all documents are available on the Department’s website at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemes payments/farmbuildings/.