The reopening of the National Farm Safety Measure for 2026 has been announced by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon.

The measure will cover 60% of the eligible cost for up to four power take off (PTO) shaft covers, subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover.

Opening the measure on Wednesday, coinciding with Tractor Safety Week, Minister Heydon said: “Too many farmers are operating PTO-powered equipment with PTO shafts which are not adequately protected, placing themselves and others at risk of serious or fatal injuries.”

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He reminded farmers that the PTO shaft must be fully enclosed and properly fitted to provide protection.

Over the past decade, farm vehicles and machinery accounted for almost half of all fatalities on farms. In the last two years, entanglement in PTO shafts has resulted in two fatalities on Irish farms.

Revolving at 540 or 1,000 revolutions per minute, it takes less than one second to become entangled in a PTO shaft. If caught in a revolving PTO shaft, there is almost no chance of avoiding serious or fatal injuries.

Prioritising safety

Minister Heydon reminded farmers of the importance of prioritising safety no matter how heavy the workload: “As we enter the busy summer period, I’m urging farmers to check out the tractor and machinery now to ensure that all necessary maintenance and repairs are carried out including the replacement of damaged or missing PTO-shaft covers.”

The Farm Safety Measure is being funded from the national Exchequer. The closing date for the submission of applications for payment is Friday 6 November 2026.

Farmers who applied for grant aid under the National Farm Safety Measure in previous years, are also eligible to apply again this year.

For further information on the National Farm Safety Measure 2026 go to www.gov.ie/farmsafety .