A budget of at least €100m in 2027 for the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) has been called upon by Irish Farmers Association (IFA) rural development chair John Curran.

He said Monday’s announcement prioritising nutrient storage under tranche 11 is a “step in the right direction” and that it “will bring multiple benefits across the spectrum”.

However, he said “the ultimate solution here, though, is more money in TAMS”.

“The 75% approval rate is better than the 60% applied in tranche 10, but it’s below the 80% threshold in tranche nine and well below the 100% threshold that’s needed for nutrient storage.

“That’s why we are calling for at least €100m to be secured and allocated to TAMS in Budget 2027, with priority again for nutrient storage applications.”

Eligible applications

Curran said that there were over 2,000 eligible farmer applications rolled over from tranche 10.

"That’s investment delayed or abandoned that could have had real impact efficiencies at farm level.

“Only one in every 10 eligible LESS and solar applications is getting approval at the minute. It doesn’t make sense and is sending a worrying signal to farmers as greater environmental obligations come down the tracks,” John Curran said.

IFA environment and rural affairs chair John Murphy said Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon must give serious consideration to introducing a stand-alone nutrient storage element within TAMS with 100% funding support.

“Nutrient storage is central to achieving water quality and climate targets. At this critical stage, the government must step up and support farmers to undertake this investment, particularly given the legal requirement under the nitrates action plan to increase storage capacity.

“Significant progress has been made in recent years, but farmers now need full support to undertake this investment, which is essential to maintaining continued progress,” he said.