Relevant Matter
Matters involving public funds
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 May. 2026 to 31 Aug. 2026
Specific Details
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) 3
Intended results
To highlight that only 60% of applications under the Animal Welfare Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS) will be eligible for funding under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes 3 (TAMS), Tranche 10.
To emphasise that the reduction in the threshold from 80% to 60% comes at a time when farmers urgently need to expand nutrient storage to meet increasing regulatory requirements, protect water quality, and secure a future nitrates derogation.
That this reduction risks delaying essential investment and undermines compliance with the sixth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP).
To seek support from all rural TDs for a review of the AWNSS ranking and selection threshold to ensure that 100% of eligible applications can access funding. To achieve this, TAMS funding would need to be increased to ensure that all applications under the scheme are eligible for funding.
Expanded nutrient storage delivers clear co-benefits improved nutrient efficiency, maintained grass production, and reduced reliance on costly fertilisers, a particularly pressing concern given the impact on prices arising from current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
To stress that the reduction is especially frustrating following delays in accessing the planning exemption, first promised in August 2024 and enacted only in December 2025. A review of the selection process would ensure that farmers have the resources they need to comply with regulations and protect the environment.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Francie Gorman IFA President, John Murphy IFA Environment & Rural Affairs Chair
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.
Informal communication (2-5)
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.
Jack White
Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Martin Heydon
Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Niall Collins
Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
William Aird
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)