Over 50 new eligible items, a higher grant aid of up to 60% and increased investment ceilings were unveiled in the new TAMS III scheme launched this week.

There are new items for most sectors, ranging from cattle fencing, roadways and calving cameras to bale splitters, tillage and slurry equipment. There is also a new package of grants for farmers with horses.

Applications also opened this week for grant aid for solar panels to power both farmhouses and sheds. However, farmers are still waiting for crucial terms and conditions for other investments and clarification on the controversial exclusion of dribble bars.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said the new €370m scheme “will support productive farming and help ensure that we remain a modern and futureproofed sector”.