A level of uncertainty has crept into the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) in recent weeks and this is causing some concern for farmers and advisers. The uncertainty is stemming from a number of changes to the scheme which are being influenced by the coronavirus pandemic and also possibly affected by a delay in the formation of a new government.

The most recent change is the opening of tranche 18 of TAMS II with a two-month application window and a closing date for submission of applications of 07 August 2020. Some advisers or consultants specialising in this area report that the absence of clarity around future tranches has led to a sharp increase in enquiries and bookings since news emerged about the two-month application window.

There are also concerns that continued delays in processing planning permission for proposed developments could hinder applications. Thankfully, the Department took account of this situation for tranche 17 and provided an exemption that applications could be submitted without full planning permission.

The other area advisers report farmers being worried about is the timeline for processing and granting of approvals for tranche 17

The deadline for such applications to furnish proof of full planning is 10 July. Consultants say that if a similar approach were to be taken around planning permission requirements for tranche 18 or clarity on subsequent tranches it would go a long way towards reducing the pressure on those involved.

The other area advisers report farmers being worried about is the timeline for processing and granting of approvals for tranche 17 given that in excess of 5,000 farmers submitted applications. These included some 644 applicants who were unsuccessful in receiving approval in previous tranches due to the respective tranches being oversubscribed.

The largest level of applications to a tranche to-date was influenced by the closing date being extended from late April until 5 June due to coronavirus. The main group of farmers worried are those who have had recent applications carried forward.

With approvals generally taking three months in previous tranches, the timelines involved are tight

Some state that if their application was carried forward again they would consider withdrawing it and changing aspects such as the proposed costs before submitting it again in a bid to improve its selection criteria. With approvals generally taking three months in previous tranches, the timelines involved are tight.

Extensions and applications

There has been a very positive reaction to the three-month extension provided by the Department for all projects due to be completed (or approvals due to expire) between 1 March and 1 July. The Department has confirmed further potential flexibilities to the Irish Farmers Journal this week. It states that “for approvals that are due to expire in July, where work has commenced and completion has been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions, applicants are advised that they may contact the local office that issued their approval in this regard. Any such requests will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.”

14,888 payments have been made with €222.6m paid out of a total budget of €395m

The Department’s ability to move on some of the decisions described above is also limited by a large number of outstanding approvals yet to submit payment claims. The latest schemes payment update as of 19 June 2020 shows 28,773 approvals issued and just 15,662 applications for payment submitted. From these, 14,888 payments have been made with €222.6m paid out of a total budget of €395m. The budget allocated to 2020 is €82m but this could potentially be increased if farmers who do not plan to proceed with works notified the Department of such decisions.