A total of 5,191 applications were made in the first and second tranches of TAMS II. The Department assured the Irish Farmers Journal this week that delayed approvals from the first tranche will be issued in a matter of weeks.

All applications received in the second tranche will be evaluated, ranked and assessed before approvals are issued to farmers. Hopefully, this process does not take as long this time around. In the first tranche of TAMS II, there was a big demand in applications for dairy equipment. Now, attention is turning to bigger investments that require planning permission.

In this Focus, we highlight the steps farmers should carefully consider to increase the chances of a successful application. We talk to a young dairy farmer who is planning on using a TAMS II grant to upgrade his milking facilities. The cost of farm buildings built to the specifications required for TAMS II and the possible grant a successful application might generate is outlined. IFAC Accountants stress the need for farmers to consider if the investment they are planning will generate a return before the decision is made to start building work even with the generous grant aid available. Finally, Anthony Jordan reminds us that the chances of an accident occurring on the farm are multiplied when building work is being carried out and farmers need to be aware of the risks.

To read the full Buildings and TAMS II Focus supplement, click here.