Farm Tractor & Machinery Traders Association Ltd (FTMTA)

Lobbying Organisation Farm Tractor & Machinery Traders Association Ltd

Date published 07 May, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Economic Development and Industry

Period 1 Jan. 2026 to 30 Apr. 2026

Specific Details Discuss issues affecting the agricultural machinery sector

Intended results To seek: greater government support for businesses operating in the agricultural machinery and engineering sector; measures to reduce regulatory and operating costs for SMEs; reform and updating of apprenticeship and training structures relevant to agricultural machinery; improved access to Enterprise Ireland and R&D supports for smaller manufacturing businesses; and continued support for agricultural engineering education and training pathways.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Michael Farrelly

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

FTMTA representatives met with Peter Burke and his Special Adviser to discuss issues affecting the agricultural machinery sector, including rising labour, energy and regulatory costs for SMEs. Concerns were raised regarding outdated apprenticeship structures, difficulties accessing R&D tax credits, and limited Enterprise Ireland engagement and representation for manufacturing businesses at international industry events.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Peter Burke Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)

Brian Keegan Special Advisor (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)