Farmers are being encouraged to apply for funding towards PTO shafts under the National Farm Safety Measure 2026.

The measure provides a 60% grant, up to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover, for up to four PTO shaft covers.

Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins said PTO shaft covers are relatively inexpensive but are critical in preventing serious injuries involving farm machinery.

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PTO safety

“Over the last two years, entanglement in PTOs has resulted in two fatal incidents on Irish farms and has also resulted in life-changing injuries.

“PTO shaft covers are relatively inexpensive, but they are critical in helping to prevent serious incidents when working with tractors and machinery,” he said.

Because of the speed of a PTO, a person may not have time to react if they or their clothes come into contact with a revolving PTO shaft.

Broken, damaged or poorly fitting PTO shaft covers can be just as dangerous as an unguarded PTO shaft.

Minister Collins urged farmers to act now to prevent the risk of an incident involving PTO powered equipment.

“I am urging farmers to check their PTO powered farm machinery and to avail of this measure to replace any defective or missing PTO shaft covers.

“If we are serious about farm safety, we must stop using farm machinery or equipment which have defective or missing guards. I would also urge FAS advisors to engage with their farmer clients on farm safety and encourage them to avail of this measure,” he concluded.

The closing date for expressions of interest and payment claims under the measure is Friday 6 November 2026.

Farmers must submit the expression of interest before purchasing the PTO shaft cover, and claims must be submitted through MyAgFood.