The IFA has called on Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to clarify that there will be at least three more tranches for the TAMS scheme in 2021.

IFA rural development chair Michael Biggins has called on the Minister to ensure that applicants for Tranche 20 of TAMS receive their approval without further delay.

The deadline for applications closed on 15 January, and the approval process is far too slow, according to the IFA.

“All tranche 20 applicants, including the applicants carried over from previous tranches, must receive approval.

“IFA is urging the Minister to ensure that the delays in previous tranches are addressed. The problem with delays will continue unless the carryover is resolved.

“This issue must be rectified to avoid on-farm investment plans stalling,” he said.

Carried forward

Biggins said that only 70% of applicants have been approved for the last two tranches. Unsuccessful applicants have been carried forward, leaving them facing uncertain situations concerning their investments.

“I am calling on the Minister for Agriculture to clarify that there will be at least three more tranches in 2021 and that the next TAMS tranche will open for applications immediately after Tranche 21 closes on 16 April.

“There must be no gap between the closing of one tranche and the opening of another,” he said.