A total of 6,000 farmers applied to the Farm Safety Scheme by the closure deadline for applications on Friday 16 January. Some farmers hand delivered applications today to the Department of Agriculture at Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford.

No extension

Despite some calls for an extension the deadline was not changed. The department stated that any extension to the closing date would delay the start of processing of applications and in turn the issuing approvals to successful applicants. The scheme is part of the TAMS 1 programme of schemes which must be concluded by August 2015. Instead, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney has stated that a follow on Farm Safety Scheme will operate in TAMS 2 when that starts over coming months, following EU Commission approval of Ireland’s proposed rural development programme. The current scheme will provide grant aid for 28 safety items varying from replacement of corroded slats and slurry lids to safer handling equipment for cattle and sheep.