The IFA claims that on Thursday the Department of Agriculture said the time to complete an investment through TAMS II will reduce significantly.

Farmers who successfully apply to the sixth tranche of the scheme will have one year to complete their planned investments. Up to now, successful TAMs applicants had three years to complete works.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands this will only apply to applications in tranche six, which opens on Saturday. Three years still applies for tranches one to five. These changes are being installed so that the Department can plan budgets more carefully in the future.

Minister must deliver

IFA rural development chair Joe Brady said that the changes to the period of time to complete work under TAMS must be accompanied by a firm commitment by the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed that the scheme will remain open up to December 2020.

Extension if required

At a meeting in Johnstown Castle with the Department on Thursday, the IFA said it received assurances that if a farmer for any reason could not commence work within the 12-month deadline, then they can apply again under the tranche that is open at that time. Reapplication should not result in any extra cost for farmer according to Brady. Farmers who are struggling to complete works within the year will have an opportunity to apply for an extension.

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