Relevant Matter
Matters involving public funds
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 Sep, 2023 to 31 Dec, 2023
Specific Details
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) Solar Capital Investment Scheme
Intended results
To object to the proposed amendments to the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) Solar Capital Investment Scheme, not to allow skylights be replaced with cladding to facilitate solar installations. This is a complete U-turn and contrary to guidance provided by the Department at an earlier engagement in February, from which many solar systems have been designed in good faith, and applications made to the above scheme since.
To point out that the proposed changes, seeking additional paperwork, clarifications and ultimately system re-designs may appear insignificant, but it is hugely problematic in terms of solar installations. It will not only add cost to farmers and challenge planners to get amended applications in on time, but fundamentally, if implemented, it will impact the viability and uptake of individual solar project investments, both in current and future tranches of TAMS.
To highlight that it is completely unfair that farmers are given just 10 days to reply, or fear being removed from the scheme, in particular when you consider some may have only received their letter this week, Christmas week, when planners may be unavailable to make the necessary amends to applications/design. Maximum flexibility and practicality needs to apply here.
To demonstrate that the shift in position, coupled with its timing, is further example of the absence of proactive engagement by the Department with relevant stakeholders, and indeed full appreciation of the impact of this unilateral action on the many farm families affected.
To strongly urge the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine to intervene and prevent these impractical and unviable proposals from taking effect.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Tim Cullinan IFA President, Michael Biggins IFA Rural Development 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.
Amii McKeever
Adviser to Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Charlie McConalogue
Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)